Billy Davies (1981 to 1986)
Born in Glasgow, William McIntosh Davies joined Rangers straight from Crookston Castle Secondary School.
Small in stature, Davies was an industrious left-sided midfielder player who could spray the ball with accuracy and possessed a powerful shot from distance. He made his Gers bow in the close season 'Red Leaf Cup' tournament in Hamilton, Ontario, Italian side Ascoli providing the opposition.
Following a number of Glasgow Cup outings, Billy made his competitive debut on 23rd September 1981 as Rangers faced Brechin City in the quarter-final 2nd leg tie at Ibrox. Leading 4-0 from the 1st leg, Billy replaced Bobby Russell as John MacDonald's goal sealed a narrow 1-0 win on the night.
Billy made an extra time appearance in the 1983 Scottish Cup Final as Rangers narrowly lost to Aberdeen at Hampden. Replacing Davie Cooper, he even had the ball in the Dons net, heading home a Gordon Dalziel but correctly ruled out for a foul on Neale Cooper in the process.
The ECWC thrashing of Valletta saw Billy net his only goal for Rangers, his was the penultimate effort in a 10-0 win.
Following the arrival of Graeme Souness as Manager in 1986, Billy was released.
by Rick Plews
