Sandy Jardine (1964 to 1982)
William Pullar Jardine joined Rangers in 1964 and was given his first team opportunity in the aftermath of the shock Scottish Cup defeat at Berwick Rangers in 1967.
Affectionately knows as Sandy, he was a truly outstanding full-back who went on to serve Rangers with distinction.
Jardine won 3 League Championships, 5 Scottish Cups and 5 League Cups and, of course, the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972. During his time at Ibrox, he was an integral part of two Treble winning sides.
Appearing at the 1974 and 1978 World Cup Finals, Sandy represented Scotland on 38 occasions and was twice named the Sports Writers’ Player of the Year (once with Heart of Midlothian).
On leaving Rangers he would join boyhood heroes Hearts where he enjoyed something of a renaissance. Playing as a sweeper, he inspired the side as they went agonisingly close to securing a League and Cup double during season 1985/86. Along with his great friend Alex MacDonald, the two ‘Barca Bears’ transformed Hearts into a force to be reckoned with, establishing themselves as as an up and coming management duo.
Sandy later returned to Ibrox, working in and around the Club in various capacities once his playing and managerial career ended.
His leadership off the pitch will never be forgotten as the financial problems at Rangers came to a head in 2012.
Tragically, Sandy was diagnosed with cancer later that same year and after a brave battle he passed away on 24th April 2014.
The Govan Stand was fittingly renamed in Sandy’s honour at the start of season 2014/15.
by Rick Plews
