David McKinnon (1982 to 1986)
Rangers secured the services of Dave McKinnon on 8th June 1982 for a reported fee of £30,000. His arrival raised a few eyebrows and would certainly be considered as one of manager John Greig’s more surprising signings.
After an incredible 16 seasons at Ibrox, the 1982 Scottish Cup Final brought down the curtain on the career of Gers legend Sandy Jardine. As Sandy moved back along the M8 to sign for boyhood side Hearts, McKinnon was the man Identified to take over the right-back role, making the far shorter journey from Patrick Thistle’s Firhill Stadium. Having spent the bulk of his career at less fashionable provincial clubs, it seemed a tall order for the 26 year old.
Dave started the season in possession of the number 2 jersey and whilst we were undefeated in the opening 8 fixtures of the 1982/83 league campaign, crucially only 3 wins were recorded. During that run, he scored his first goal for Rangers in a 2-2 draw with St.Mirren at Love Street on 16th October 1982. Whilst the league challenge was beginning to falter, the side were proving more than a match for most in the domestic cup competitions. Unfortunately, we fell at the final hurdle of both and McKinnon ended his debut season with two runners-up medals. On a more positive note, Dave had played in 50 out of a possible 57 first team matches and had quickly become a fans favourite.
Luck was certainly not on Dave’s side in season 1983/84 as he became seriously unwell after contracting hepatitis. Typically, he battled back to make a full recovery and was in line to be involved in the 1984 League Cup Final (victory over Celtic) only to miss the match due to suspension! It was a frustrating spell for McKinnon as he looked to make an impression on new boss Jock Wallace. A goal in an earlier League Cup tie with Queen of the South at Palmerston was probably the highlight of his stop start season.
Although 1984/85 saw Dave once again feature far more regularly, he was beginning to find himself occupying different positions from week to week. Perhaps his versatility began to work against him, he clearly viewed himself as a right full-back and there is little doubt that his best and most effective performances came when operating in that role. But no matter where Dave was asked to play, you could guarantee he would give 100% and more to the cause. A stereotypical fiery red head, Dave was as wholehearted a player as you were ever likely to see and what he may have lacked in guile or finesse, he more than made up for in attitude, desire and will to win. Capable of bombing forward with raw pace and power, he also possessed a decent shot.
For the second time in 7 months, he suffered League Cup Final heartache this time missing out on a place in the squad ( v Dundee United) despite being fully fit and having started in every prior round! It would prove to be the closest he came to winning a major honour with the Club.
His final season, 1985/86, would see him appear in 24 of a possible 36 league matches but it had been a campaign to forget for Rangers, culminating in the departure of Jock Wallace. Just prior to Jock’s departure, and following an extended period on the sidelines, McKinnon was back in the starting line up on 22nd March 1986 as Rangers and Celtic played out a 4-4 epic on a rain soaked Ibrox pitch. It was Dave’s long range header that was nodded in on the goal line (by Cammy Fraser) which put the Gers in front for the first and only time that afternoon.
Whilst it was most unlikely incoming manager Graeme Souness would view McKinnon as having a future at Ibrox, he did watch on as Dave helped his new side secure European Football for the following season (with a 2-0 win over Motherwell) as well as his first piece of silverware (3-2 Glasgow Cup Final victory over Celtic). These proved to be his final two appearances as a Ranger.
Dave was one of a number of players to leave that summer and spent three seasons with Airdrie before moving on to Kilmarnock.
by Rick Plews
