Johnny Hamilton (1973 to 1978)

Arriving from Hibernian in May 1973, Johnny was somewhat of a surprise signing given that the Leith side had opted to grant the 23-year old a free transfer. Hamilton had arrived at Hibernian as a teenager having started his career in the junior leagues with Cumbernauld United.

Manager Jock Wallace clearly saw something in the youngster that Hibs did not, and Johnny would eventually go on to repay that judgement. Establishing himself as a first team regular during the season 1975/76, Hamilton became a key component of Wallace’s first Treble winning side.

An extremely talented midfielder, ‘Dingy’ went on to make 77 first team appearances whilst scoring 8 goals for his boyhood heroes. With the exception of season 1975/76, he was more of a squad player for the bulk of his time at Ibrox.

The arrival of Bobby Russell in the summer of 1977 further limited Johnny’s opportunities as Wallace laid fresh foundations for another Treble winning side. With Russell missing the League Cup Final in March 1978 through illness, the trusted Hamilton was brought back into the side as Celtic were defeated 2-1 at Hampden Park.

That Old Firm victory completed the full set of domestic honours for Johnny during his time at Rangers. However, history would repeat itself when, within a matter of months, he would find himself surplus to requirements. Having been part of the Hibernian side (substitute) to defeat Celtic 2-1 in the 1972/73 League Cup Final just months prior to being freed, incoming Gers manager John Greig soon sanctioned the sale of Johnny to Millwall.

Hamilton's time at Millwall was short lived and he soon returned to Scotland, initially with St. Johnstone before finally returning to the junior ranks with Blantyre Celtic.

Following a period of illness, Johnny died on 17th October 2015, aged 66.

by Rick Plews