Jan Bartram (1988)
Jan Bartram signed for Rangers in January 1988 and made a scoring debut in the 3-1 defeat of Falkirk at Ibrox. The match would also see fellow left sided player John Brown score his first goal for the Club on what was his home debut. The similarities end there.
A tall, pacy and powerful player with no shortage of skill and a thunderous left foot shot, Jan had risen to prominence with AGF in his homeland and had been a key player in their 1986 League winning side. Having made his International debut for Denmark 3 years prior to signing, Bartram was part of a talented squad travelling to Mexico for the 1986 World Cup Finals. At 25 years of age, he seemed like an excellent acquisition for a fee of £180,000.
The left back position was one that Graeme Souness never seemed entirely at ease with during his time in charge at Ibrox. Whilst Stuart Munro would perform consistently to a high level, it seemed Souness always had an eye elsewhere. Jimmy Phillips had arrived prior to Bartram but had failed to dislodge Munro from the Number 3 shirt. In terms of physique and appearance, Bartram was certainly more in the mould of Phillips than Munro.
Whilst Jan got off to an almost perfect start with his debut strike, controversy was not too far away. Jan’s strengths seemed to be more in an attacking sense and the player viewed himself more as a midfielder than traditional 1980’s full back. Indeed, his style of play would be well suited to the modern day version of a full back, playing high up the pitch on the front foot. His rumoured displeasure at the role being asked of him may have contributed to reported criticism of Souness in the Danish press whilst away on International duty.
The player later downplayed the comments attributed to him, from denials to the standard ‘lost in translation’ explanation. As was evident throughout his time in charge, Souness was not one to tolerate any show of public criticism and whether or not a direct consequence of those alleged quotes, the fact was that after less than 6 months in Glasgow the player was heading for the exit. In truth, he didn’t seem to be too upset with that particular outcome.
Frustratingly, he had shown up well despite the side failing to capture the heights of the previous season and still reeling from a leg break to captain Terry Butcher. A strong performance in his next outing saw Bartram give Aberdeen’s own talented full back Stewart McKimmie a torrid afternoon as 10 man Rangers secured a then rare win at Pittodrie. Two long range efforts in home matches versus Celtic and Hearts saw him add to his goal tally but disappointingly both proved to be consolation efforts.
Jan would return to Denmark having made just 14 first team appearances. Rangers made a profit on the player, Brondby paying £315,000 to secure his services. He would later spend time in Germany with Bayer 05 Uerdingen.
Meanwhile, John Brown would go on to enjoy a long association with his boyhood heroes, securing legendary status answering the call in almost every position including long periods at left fullback.
by Rick Plews
