Today we remember the signing of one of the best Rangers captains of all time, a thrashing of weekend opponents Stirling Albion and a series of birthdays being celebrated by former players.
On this day in 1987, Graeme Souness finally managed to secure the signature of defender Richard Gough from Spurs to become Scotland’s first £1million footballer.
Gough had left Dundee United for London just a year previously for £750,000 and became the captain of Spurs. However, the draw of moving back to Scotland was too much for Gough.
Speaking the day he signed, Gough said, “It’s taken me eight years to get to Ibrox after being here for a week’s trial as a kid. John Greig didn’t sign me then, but I have no hard feelings about that.
“I enjoyed being with Dundee United and Spurs, but I have landed where I always hoped I would land eventually.
“A lot of people might think its strange to give up the captaincy of Spurs – but I see it as a wise decision. I will get European football and the chance to play for a club that is as big, if not bigger than Tottenham,
“For me the Rangers fans are the best and most emotional in Britain. I look forward to playing for them.”
Some twenty five years later, Richard Gough is now widely regarded as one man who epitomised the effort, drive and skill which led Rangers to nine successive championships during the 80s and 90s. You can read Gough’s hall of fame entry here and check out pictures on RangersPics here.
In 1965, Scot Symon’s Rangers side demolished Saturday’s upcoming league opponents Stirling Albion 6:0 at Ibrox in the League thanks to a brace from Davie Wilson and goals from Wilson Wood, Alex Willoughby, Jorn Sorensen and Willie Johnstone.
Three former Rangers players are celebrating birthdays today, Michael Ball, Craig Paterson and Rod Wallace. Paterson is perhaps best known for captaining Rangers to the 1984 League Cup final win, a 1:0 win over Dundee United. Michael Ball was signed from Everton for £6.5 million, however injury was to limit his appearances during a four year stay at Rangers.
After a fantastic period at Leeds, Rod Wallace was signed by Dick Advocaat in 1998 on a Bosman. The English striker would go on to finish top scorer in the SPL and win the domestic treble in his first year at the club. Wallace was at the club for three years before returning south to sign for Bolton in 2001.
