A former player with Gairdoch United Boys Club, Greg Shields progressed through the youth system at Ibrox to become part of a star studded first team squad aiming to secure a ninth successive league championship.
The red haired right full-back had been handed a first team debut on the final day of season 1995/96 as Rangers cruised to a 3-0 win at Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park. With a Paul Gascoigne masterclass having secured the title against Aberdeen the previous week, Walter Smith had the luxury of handing Greg his opportunity in less pressurised circumstances. Greg gave an assured performance but clearly there was never any realistic prospect of him keeping his place for the Scottish Cup Final and, indeed, Alex Cleland was back in the side for the 5-1 thrashing of Hearts.
Right back had been a problem position for Smith following injury to the outstanding Gary Stevens at the end of Walter’s first full season in charge. David McPherson had performed admirably during the treble winning campaign of 1992/93 but clearly this was somewhat of a makeshift solution. If Smith had hoped that the signing of Stephen Wright would replicate the success fellow full-back David Robertson had enjoyed since making an identical move, serious injury soon put paid to that.
Greg’s first taste of action during season 1996/97 came early on in the League Cup as Clydebank were defeated 3-0 at Firhill in a match where Peter Van Vossen netted twice. His Ibrox debut came in a clash with Aberdeen in October when Rangers would let a two goal lead slip with the loss of two crucial points, Billy Dodds grabbing a last minute equaliser for the visitors. Greg would keep his place in the side as Dunfermline were routed in the semi-final of the league cup at Parkhead. He would go on to represent the Pars with distinction.
The biggest test of his fledging career then came in the Champions League clash with Ajax at Ibrox. With the Dutch having already shown their undoubted class in the match in Amsterdam, a back line including Shields and fellow youth product Scott Wilson now found themselves up against the attacking prowess of Ronald de Boer, Patrick Kluivert, Marc Overmars and Tijjani Babangida (to name but a few). Despite suffering a 1-0 reverse, both players had shown up well in what was a credible performance with a much depleted Gers starting line up.
Greg was back in the side for the trip to Pittodrie at the start of December and had a terrific game as Rangers took revenge for the previous league clash between the sides to run out comfortable 3-0 winners.
He would feature on 6 occasions during that NIAR winning campaign and in all made 11 first team appearances during his time at the Club. Strong in the tackle and comfortable on the ball, Greg was a defender first and foremost and was more than reliable any time he was called upon.
With Rangers recruiting heavily during the summer of 1997 Greg took the opportunity to move to Dunfermline in order to secure regular first team football. A fee of £200,000 was received and the player left Ibrox with everyone’s best wishes.
He would go on to captain the East End Park side during two different spells in Fife and would appear in both League and Scottish Cup Finals.

by Rick Plews