Johnny Hubbard (1949 to 1959)

John Gaulton Hubbard was born in Pretoria, South Africa on 16th December 1930.

It was Clyde who first attempted to bring Johnny to Scotland, the 16-year-old having greatly impressed when the ‘Bully Wee’ toured South Africa in 1947.

Whilst playing for Berea Park, his coach Alex Prior (a former Hibernian player) indicated to Johny that he could arrange a trial with Rangers. Reluctant to leave his mother alone in the family home, at the age of 18 he was eventually persuaded to travel to the UK.

On arriving in London, Rangers ensured that Johnny had no opportunity to speak to Clyde’s representatives and he headed to Ibrox for what was to be a 3-month trial. Although Bill Struth had never seen Johnny play, after just one session at Ibrox he was summoned to the Manager’s office and signed up on a 1-year contract. The signing-on fee was increased from £200 to £300, still some £700 less than Clyde had been willing to pay. Having given Rangers his word, there was never going to be any other outcome.

It was a brave move by the teenager, he had no Scottish ancestry or family and now found himself some 7,000 miles from home. However, he showed great resilience and strength of character to settle in Scotland and forge a new life for himself. During his time at Rangers, Johnny would make 238 appearances scoring 104 goals.

Struth was patient with Johnny and he would appear infrequently during his first 3 years in Scotland. Keen to protect the youngster from the more physical nature of the Scottish game, he was given time to develop whilst watching and learning.

A tricky winger, standing at just 5’4” tall, the man who would later be crowned the “Penalty King” quickly become a fan’s favourite who loved his style of play and who viewed him as the best outside left since the legendary Alan Morton.

Famously, Johnny would convert a staggering 60 penalties in all with just 3 being saved. Only Bert Slater, Jimmy Brown and Davie Walker could lay claim to having thwarted a Hubbard spot kick.

Johnny Hubbard won 3 League Championships and one Scottish Cup with the Club during the 1950’s whilst also representing his country at full International level.

As of 2026, Johnny remains the last Rangers player to score a LEAGUE hat-trick in an Old Firm match. That achievement came in the New Year clash of 1955 with Rangers winning comfortably 4-1 at Ibrox.

Later awarded the MBE for his contribution to sporting life within Ayr and Prestwick, Johnny remained a regular visitor at Ibrox.

Following a short illness, Johnny passed away on 21st June 2018 and his presence is still sadly missed by the Rangers Family, none more so than around the stadium on match days.

by Rick Plews