Tom Forsyth (1972 to 1982)
Tom Forsyth signed for Rangers in October 1972 and over the next decade would become a stalwart within the team, notably forming an excellent central defensive partnership with Colin Jackson.
A major figure within Jock Wallace’s treble winning sides of 1976 and 1978, Tam would make 326 competitive first team appearances for Rangers, scoring 5 goals.
His goal in the Centenary Scottish Cup Final win over Celtic (his very first for the Club) remains one of the most iconic images in the history of Rangers and it was one that the fans never tired of speaking to him about. A fearsome player on the pitch, the softly spoken Forsyth was always the absolute gentleman away from it and accommodating to fans both young and old.
3 League Championships, 5 Scottish Cups and 3 League Cups were secured by Rangers during his time at Ibrox and after being forced to retire due to injury he was rewarded with a well deserved testimonial against Swansea City in 1983.
A full internationalist, Tam represented Scotland on 22 occasions and appeared in the 1978 World Cup Finals.
On retiring, Tam had a brief spell in charge of Dunfermline Athletic but it was as assistant to former Gers team mate Tommy McLean that he would enjoy success. The duo would lead Motherwell to an unlikely Scottish Cup triumph in 1991, inspired by Davie Cooper. There can be little doubt that the presence of big Tam and wee Tam at Fir Park had been a major factor in Cooper signing for the 'Steelmen'.
A keen and talented bowler, Tom was an exceptionally popular figure around the hospitality suites of Ibrox in his latter years and it was an extremely sad day for the extended Rangers Family when he died on 14th August 2020, aged 71.
by Rick Plews
