Alistair Dawson (1975 to 1987)
At the age of just 16, Ally Dawson joined Rangers in 1975 straight from school’s football where he had featured in the Paisley & District league starring for youth side Eastercraigs. A pupil at Johnstone High, he would arrive at Ibrox on ‘S’ Form and soon found himself in the away dressing room under the watchful eyes of Stan Anderson and Joe Mason in the Rangers Reserves. Cleaning the boots of Peter McCloy, John Greig, Tom Forsyth and Sandy Jardine, it was not long before the young full-back was elevated to first team status.
Shortly after joining the Club, Ally was part of Jock Wallace’s squad which toured Canada, Australia and New Zealand. His first team debut came in the Glasgow Cup on 2nd September 1975 as Queen’s Park were defeated 3-0 at Ibrox. He would make 11 appearances during his first 3 seasons before truly establishing himself in the side under John Greig during season 1978/79. Ally found himself in the starting line up (ahead of Alex Miller) for the trip to Pittodrie on 18th November 1978 and after securing a hard fought point in a 0-0 draw he never looked back.
Despite suffering a fractured skill in a later tour of North America, Ally displayed the spirit that was always evident on the pitch to bounce back and would lift the Scottish Cup as Captain in 1981 at the tender age of 23. It was an incredible moment for Ally who was brought up a Rangers supporter, his family having close links to the Club.
February 25th is certainly a date that has been kind to Rangers, on that day in 1956 Davie Cooper entered the world and just two years later Alistair Dawson was born. Two tremendous servants who became friends during more than a decade together in the Gers first team.
Ally would make 316 first team appearances whilst scoring 8 goals. A skilful full-back who could play on either flank, Ally was also comfortable in the centre of defence where he performed in the 1986 League Cup Final win over Celtic. This secured Graeme Souness his first major honour as Rangers boss and although Ally would move on at the end of that season, he did so with the very best wishes of everyone at Ibrox.
A Rangers Hall of Fame inductee, it has always been clear just how proud Ally was to pull on the famous blue jersey. “I was fortunate enough to play for the Club I loved and had supported as a boy. It really doesn’t get much better than that”.
He remained a huge part of the Rangers family, helping to bring through countless youngsters during his time as Gers youth coach and meeting thousands of fans in the hospitality suites in and around the stadium.
Ally died on 26th July 2021 at the age of 63 following a battle with illness.
by Rick Plews
