John Greig MBE ââ?¬â?? Greatest Ever Ranger - Part 4 ââ?¬â?? Conclusion / Summary

[CammyF 7,985]

The question I ask myself most often when thinking off, or discussing John Greig is, is he deserving of the title ââ?¬Ë?Greatest Ever Rangerââ?¬â?¢? This title was bestowed on Greig, by us, the fans. We voted for him as the Greatest Ever Ranger and all the attributes are there. His dedication and love of Rangers is undeniable. We were the only club that we ever played for. He won a remarkable three trebles with Rangers (the club has won seven in our illustrious history), his appearances speak for themselves and listening to fans from the generation before mine, Grieg was Rangers during this dark days of Celtic domination.

 

Can it be argued that is unsuccessful time as manager soured his legacy? He was brave enough to take the challenge, and you wouldn�t have expected Greig to have refused the challenge of replacing Jock Wallace as Rangers manager. Would things have been different if Greig�s charges had managed to have won the treble in his first season (added to the wonderful run and performances in Europe)? We�ll never know.

 

The title of Greatest Ever Ranger is an immense title and accolade once you start to look at the other contenders of this title. Mr Struth, The Founding Fathers, RC Hamilton, Valance, John Greig, George Young, Bob McPhail, Alan Morton ââ?¬â?? these are just the tip of the iceberg. For me, Mr Struth epitomises Rangers and everything we stand for. Personally, Mr Struth is Rangers, others will rightly point to our Founding Fathers, others will rightly have their own opinion.

 

In my fledgling and informative years as a Rangers supporter, all my family talked about John Greig and told tales of his heroic service for Rangers. My Unlce was lucky enough to play professional football and played against Rangers for West Brom and all the family were given tickets for the game. Not only that, Greig had learned of our leanings and had arranged for a stadium tour as well as tickets in the directors box. Iââ?¬â?¢ll never forget my old grans (God Bless Her) face when we were shown the trophy room ââ?¬â?? she asked Greig if she could have a job cleaning all the silverware! We were then invited into the inner sanctums of Ibrox after the game to meet both teams. A truly unforgettable day for our family thanks in no small part to Mr Greig.

 

One thing that can�t be disputed, when you look at the clubs traditions, values, history, John Greig ticks all the boxes. Rangers have certainly been enriched by John Greig�s presence and would have been a poorer club without this colossus on the field of play. A decorated Scottish International, Rangers Captain, Rangers Manager and simply a fantastic footballer (his footballing ability was undervalued in my opinion), a gentleman and last but not least, a Ranger.

 

Greatest Ever Ranger? Who am I to argue?

 

Information Sources :

 

Silversmith ââ?¬â?? Neil Drysdale

John Greig ââ?¬â?? My Story

Rangers ââ?¬â?? Season By Season ââ?¬â?? Robert McElroy

 

 

Cammy F

[Frankie 8,552]

Great stuff again mate.... Many thanks for taking the time to write this.