Tom Cowan (1989 to 1991)

Rangers fought off fierce competition from Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest to secure the services of Clyde’s promising left back Tom Cowan in 1989, Graeme Souness paying £100,000 for the youngster despite him having made only 18 senior appearances for the 'Bully Wee'.

Cowan would make his debut in the run-in to season 1988/89 during a 3-0 win over Hamilton in which another debutant, Mel Sterland, made a scoring start to his brief Rangers career.

Tommy would also performance admirably on the day the 1989 title was secured with an emphatic 4-0 win over Heart of Midlothian at Ibrox.

Vying with (among others) Stuart Munro, John Brown and Chris Vinnicombe for the left full-back position, Tommy never quite managed to make the 'number 3' shirt his own but never once let the side down when called upon.

Tommy more than played his part in the dramatic title decider of 1991 as Gers defeated Aberdeen 2-0 on the final day, this despite having suffered a broken bone in his foot during the early exchanges of the epic showdown at Ibrox! A walking wounded XI defied the odds to secure Walter Smith his first trophy as recently installed Manager.

Victory over the Dons proved to be Cowan's final first team appearance for the Club before heading South of the border.

by Rick Plews