THE Greatest Ever Ranger, John Greig, has been awarded a CBE in His Majesty The King’s first Birthday Honours List.
It is a hugely proud moment for Mr Greig, already an MBE, and for the club, given he still performs the role of Honorary Life President at Ibrox at the age of 80.
His relationship with the Light Blues goes back over 60 years, and as well as being the most iconic player in the club’s history, he also managed the club, served in a number of roles in the commercial department, supported Dick Advocaat during his spell in charge, contributed to the club’s Academy and served on the Rangers board.
A winner of five league titles, six Scottish Cups, four League Cups and, of course, the European Cup Winners’ Cup as a player, and two Scottish Cups and two League Cups as a manager, few figures have given more to the club’s history.
As captain, he was one of the leading figures as the club recovered from the tragic events of the Ibrox Disaster on January 2 1971, and he remains central to the commemorations of that awful day, with a bronze statue of Mr Greig standing atop the memorial to the 66 supporters who lost their lives at the stadium. His presence at the annual memorial service, where he lays a wreath at the foot of the statue, is always a hugely poignant event.
He maintains an enormous stature in the club’s current day-to-day operation, and continues to inspire the current generation of players, not least current club captain James Tavernier who often speaks warmly of their relationship.
Upon receiving notice of his award, which Mr Greig will receive at an investiture in the coming months, he commented: “One of the reasons I’ve got this is because I’ve managed to spend all my life with a great club in Rangers.
“The club and the fans have given me the support and the respect which has obviously put me in line to get this, which I appreciate very much.
“It’s a big honour and I look upon it as an honour to the club as well as myself.
“It’s most unexpected at my age. I feel humbled because there are so many people more deserving of this than me. Nevertheless, I’m very honoured and proud.
“I didn’t know it was in the pipeline. I just got word from London a couple of weeks ago. I don’t even know how they got my address but they notified me by letter.
“My wife opened the letter and we got a shock because it was unexpected.”
Rangers Chairman, John Bennett, added: “On behalf of the Board and everyone here at Rangers, I’d like to offer my warmest congratulations to John upon his award of a CBE from The King.
“John remains a great confidant to so many at the club, and his legacy of work in so many roles ensures he is one of the most important figures in Rangers history.
“I know he will be incredibly humbled by this accolade, and everyone at Rangers is extremely proud of him.
“We all look forward to his investiture which will be a great moment of celebration for John, his family, and everyone connected with Rangers Football Club.”