Derek Ferguson (1982 to 1990)
Derek became the youngest post war Ranger in March 1983 when he made a first team appearance at the age of just 15 years, appearing in Tom Forsyth’s testimonial match versus Swansea City at Ibrox.
Ferguson was one of a number of promising youngsters at the Club towards the end of John Greig’s reign as Manager and whilst he made a few appearances under Greig during season 1983/84, it was following the return of Jock Wallace as boss that he began to appear more frequently.
The performances of Derek and another young midfielder, Ian Durrant, were real positives in what was otherwise a disappointing spell for the Club.
The arrival of Graeme Souness saw Derek move to another level despite the fact he would often be competing with his manager for a midfield position. Derek produced a man of the match performance in the 1986 League Cup Final win over Celtic which give Souness a first major trophy as Gers boss.
Ferguson also featured 30 times during the league campaign of that same 1986/87 season as the title returned to Ibrox for the first time since 1978.
Whilst initially flourishing under Souness, perceived lack of discipline saw Derek eventually fall foul of the Rangers manager and after initially being sent out on loan to Dundee, he was eventually transferred to Heart of Midlothian. Whilst keen to remain with his boyhood heroes, it was clear he was no longer in contention for a first team place at Ibrox and so he agreed to sign for Alex MacDonald with Hearts paying a club record fee of £750,000.
Recapturing his best form at Tynecastle, Ferguson subsequntly earned a move to Sunderland once again signing for an ex-Ger (former captain Terry Butcher).
Troubled by injury, Derek would have spells at many Clubs over the next decade including Falkirk, Dunfermline Athletic and hometown side Hamilton Academical.
A brief foray into management with Clydebank was short lived, the Bankies by that time in dire financial straits.
By the late 1990's his young brother Barry was beginning to establish himself in the Rangers side and would go on to surpass Derek's own considerable achievements at Ibrox. Derek's son Lewis would also inherit the family footballing talent, earning a big money move to Bologna in Italy's Serie A whilst also representing his country at full International level. Derek, himself, earned two full caps for Scotland whilst still at Rangers.
Derek has been a regular fixture on BBC Radio Scotland Sportsound for many years, primarily covering games in the Scottish Championship.
by Rick Plews
