Doug Baillie (1960 to 1964)
A towering centre half, Douglas Baillie was signed from Airdrieonians in 1960 for a fee of £18,000. He had broken into the Airdrie team as a teenager, a side which had future Rangers manager Jock Wallace in goal and which was orchestrated by Ian McMillan. Ian, of course, would also sign for Scot Symon in the not too distant future.
Doug would make his Rangers debut at Ibrox during a League Cup Section tie with Celtic on 20th August 1960, the visitors running out winners (2-3) with Brand and Millar on target for Gers.
At 6'2" tall and with an imposing physique, Baillie could be an intimidating opponent in both penalty boxes. In fact, he was on occasion used as an emergency centre forward should circumstances dictate.
Doug would spend 4 seasons at Ibrox making 40 first team appearances which included the European Cup Winners Cup semi-final victory over Wolverhampton Town at Ibrox in his debut season. Somewhat of a back up player, Rangers would win three League Championships during his time at the Club.
Following spells at Third Lanark, Falkirk and Dunfermline, Doug would go on to have a successful career in journalism where he spent some 32 years as chief football writer for the Sunday Post. His son, Lex, would have a spell in the Celtic first team,
At the age of 85, Doug Baillie died on 19th February 2022.
by Rick Plews
