Player Profile - Donald Hunter
Born in Dumbarton, Donald joined Rangers from local Junior side Vale of Leven in 1973.
The 18 year-old goalkeeper made his debut at Ibrox on 26th January 1974 as Queen's Park were thrashed 8-0 in the 3rd Round of the Scottish Cup. It was a match in which both Tommy McLean and Derek Parlane would score hat-tricks (Parlane also missing a penalty kick). Ronnie Lowrie, the unluckly player in goal for Queen's Park, would later sign for Rangers.
All four of Hunter's first team appearances came in the first two months of 1974. His first league match came in a home defeat (2-3) versus Arbroath but he would earn a second clean the following weekend as East Fife were eventually overcome 3-0 at Bayview. Former Gers player Billy McPhee was in the 'Black and Gold' starting line up.
In Stewart Kennedy and Peter McCloy, Rangers had excellent options for the Number 1 position and opportunities for Donald were always likely to be few and far between. McCloy, already a winner in Europe with Rangers, would be forced to share the honours with Kennedy over the next 4 years whilst Hunter would eventually sign for young St. Mirren Alex Ferguson.
Donald's final appearance for Rangers came against Dundee United in 3-1 win at Ibrox. The visiting team included a duo who would go on to lead Rangers to 'nine in a row' almost a quarter of a century later, Water Smith and Archie Knox.
On leaving the Paisley side in 1978, Donald played for hometown side Dumbarton before finishing his senior career with Alloa Athletic.
by Rick Plews
