THE DAY THAT WAS
Today I have picked another significant event in time, and the Rangers game that follows it.
DATE: 24th April 2014
EVENT: Tragic death of Sandy Jardine
Sandy Jardine was ten times the man he ever was a footballer and I have been told he was a world-class player.
Sandy tragically passed away at age just 65 after a battle with liver cancer. Sandy was capped 38 times by Scotland, won 5 Scottish and league cups, 3 league titles and of course was part of the Rangers side that won the European cup winners cup in 1972.
He was such a great footballer he played for Rangers in many different positions, starting off a midfielder and even playing up front under Davie Whites miserable spell in charge, before settling in his familiar defensive role.
After leaving Rangers in the twilight of his career to join ex team-mate Alex McDonald at Hearts, his form was of such a high calibre that he won the football writers player of the year, narrowly missing out on a famous league championship medal on the last day.
Sandy earned 38 caps for Scotland in a time when caps were just not simply handed out and competition for places was tight and genuine, even European cup winning players could not get in the squad. Jardine represented Scotland at both the 1974 and 1978 world cup finals, making his final appearance for his country in 1978.
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Sandys impact will never be forgotten by all at Ibrox, having the Govan stand named in his honour after his passing was the very least the club could do, a thank you for not only his years of service but for the dignity and class he always carried himself with.
He marched with fans groups to Hampden in protest at the club’s treatment in 2013, just one of the many occasions he stood toe to toe, hand in hand with the supporters who adored him.
He will be forever missed, we Rangers fans owe many a debt to the great man, for that we are eternally thankful.
Rangers’ first game after this was a highly emotional day for all, featuring Stranarer at Ibrox.
DATE: 26th April 2014
VENUE: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow
OPPOSITION: Stranarer
SCORE: 3-0 (Aird 37, Peralta 60, Shields 66)
COMPETITION: Irn Bru League 1
If ever a day stood for nothing in terms of result this was it. The emotion that had captured the crowd was evident of all to see, the match just two days after Sandys tragic passing. Beforehand a minutes silence was impeccably observed, Rangers manager Ally McCoist one of many with tears in his eyes.
The second minute also seen the crowd show their application for Sandy Jardine, the number two being his favoured jersey number of course.
The victory would see the Rangers team break the 100 point margin for the season with the young Canadian Aird turning in one of his best displays for Rangers.
The opening goal came after Nicky Laws pass found Aird, who cut in from the left-hand side beyond the Stranarer keeper. It was into the second half before Rangers could double the lead, Aird finding Peralta who finished very neatly indeed for his first Rangers goal.
Dean Sheilds would wrap up the scoring proving most alert to turn in his rebounded shot after a cross from Smith on the left-hand side.
This was a day for Sandy and the fans to pay their respects.
RANGERS (4-4-1-1):
Bell; Foster, Mohsni (Cribari 77), McCulloch, Smith; Peralta, Black (Hutton 70), Law, Aird; Shiels; Daly (Clark 70)
Subs not used: Simonsen, Faure, Crawford, Gallagher
STRANRAER (4-4-1-1):
Mitchell; Robertson (S. Stirling 70), MacGregor, McKeown, Docherty (Kinnaird 85); Winter, Gallagher, Borris, A. Stirling; Longworth; Grehan (McKenna 63)
Subs not used: Fahey, Forde, Kinnaird, Rumsby
Bookings: Gallagher
REF: Stephen Finnie
Steven Harrigan
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@steven_harrigan @rangersnewsuk