Growing up a Rangers fan, we all have a hero. I attended my first game in 1968, and for the next decade, that hero was John Greig.
The captain. The man who refused to admit defeat, but who was always gracious and dignified when we did lose, and magnanimous and respectful when we won. Capped as a right back, a left back, a centre back and a midfielder. Leader on the pitch in our darkest ever hour, and again in our greatest triumph. Scorer of 120 Rangers competitive goals, an incredible total for a player who played the vast majority of his career as a defender, and who only briefly took penalties. Scored on his debut at 18, was captain in a treble winning Cup final at 35 in his last game.
5 league titles, 6 Scottish Cups, 4 League Cups, 44 Scotland caps with many as captain. Not to mention the Cup Winners Cup, of course. The first man to win 3 trebles as a player. 755 competitive appearances, when you include minor competitions and friendlies he wore the jersey more than 800 times.
A one club man, who was voted The Greatest Ranger by the supporters.
He may or may not have deserved that ultimate honour, but he certainly deserves to be amongst the very few we debate on the subject.
John Greig MBE, born September 11th 1942. 77 years old tomorrow.
Still my hero.
Happy birthday when it comes Sir.
The captain. The man who refused to admit defeat, but who was always gracious and dignified when we did lose, and magnanimous and respectful when we won. Capped as a right back, a left back, a centre back and a midfielder. Leader on the pitch in our darkest ever hour, and again in our greatest triumph. Scorer of 120 Rangers competitive goals, an incredible total for a player who played the vast majority of his career as a defender, and who only briefly took penalties. Scored on his debut at 18, was captain in a treble winning Cup final at 35 in his last game.
5 league titles, 6 Scottish Cups, 4 League Cups, 44 Scotland caps with many as captain. Not to mention the Cup Winners Cup, of course. The first man to win 3 trebles as a player. 755 competitive appearances, when you include minor competitions and friendlies he wore the jersey more than 800 times.
A one club man, who was voted The Greatest Ranger by the supporters.
He may or may not have deserved that ultimate honour, but he certainly deserves to be amongst the very few we debate on the subject.
John Greig MBE, born September 11th 1942. 77 years old tomorrow.
Still my hero.
Happy birthday when it comes Sir.
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