During the early 1950s Glen was converted into a wing half and when an aging Tony Harris finally called it a day, Archie was slotted in at left half with Jackie Allister switching over to right half, so forming the half back line of Allister, Young and Glen that became the cornerstone of the Dons 1950s success story. Archie was the thinking man's player who was a master of the timely tackle and a very effective hard working wing half. After only two full seasons as the established left half Archie, with a Scottish Championship medal in his possession, received his first full international cap when he was selected for the Scottish side to face Northern Ireland at Belfast in October 1955. In April 1956 Glen, by then the Dons skipper, was selected to face England at Hampden but Archie's sample of the "big game" of its era proved to be the last time he pulled on a Scottish jersey in a full international with Tommy Docherty becoming the recognised choice.

Throughout the Dave Shaw era at Pittodrie Archie remained a constant in the side as the championship team fell victim to age and injury and he served the club well during that increasingly difficult period. A serious injury ended 31 year old Archie Glen's career prematurely in 1960 but true to his thoughtful style as a player Archie had prepared well for "retirement" by gaining a BSc at University during his early days at the club. Glen went on to repeat his success as a footballer in his business life. Died - Aberdeen, 30th April 1998