Kai Johansen (1965-70)

Affectionately known as ‘King Kai’, Johansen will forever be revered by the Rangers support for his goal that defeated Celtic in the 1966 Scottish Cup Final (replay) at Hampden Park. It was a sensational way to open his account for the Club, one of only nine goals he would score during 238 first team appearances over five seasons at Ibrox.

A Danish international, Kai arrived in Scotland in 1965 as part of the so called ‘Viking’ invasion of players signing for Hal Stewart’s Morton (others would include goalkeeper Erik and Jorn Sorensen, both of whom would play for Rangers). After just a matter of months of at Cappielow, Kai was on his way to Rangers having apparently impressed Scot Symon whilst part of an International XI appearing in Stanley Matthews Testimonial match at Stoke. Incidentally, Willie Henderson of Rangers was on target for the International XI who ran out 6-4 winners.

Although Johansen would go on to become a success at Rangers, the early part of his Gers career proved challenging with Kai deeply frustrated with the role he was being asked to play. Playing right full-back, he viewed himself more as a winger and the ultra-defensive position within the existing formation was clearly not playing to his considerable strengths. Seriously contemplating his future, a ‘clear the air’ discussion with the Symon resulted in a tactical change within the team and soon the fans were seeing the best of Kai’s talents.

Far more effective on the front foot, his newfound freedom to make explosive forward runs may have left space for opponents but these gaps would be covered by John Greig and the back tracking Henderson. If required, Kai could also play on the left flank.

Although rarely out of the side during his 5 years at Ibrox, that momentous Scottish Cup win during his debut season would prove to be the only major honour won during his time at the Club. The dominant Rangers side of the early 1960’s had broken up and the conveyor belt of silverware halted, temporarily. Taking over the peg vacated by Jim Baxter in the home dressing room was certainly a daunting challenge for the 25-year-old when he first joined the Club.

Johansen was also part of the 1967 side which narrowly lost to Bayern Munich in the European Cup Winners Cup Final.

The arrival of Willie Waddell in December 1969 did not initially impact on Kai’s place in the starting line-up. However, the last match of the campaign would prove to be Johansen’s 238th and final appearance for Rangers, ironically coming against former side Morton.

On retiring from top level football at the age of just 30, he would spend time in South Africa as player-coach of Arcadia Shepherds where he enjoyed great success. In South Africa, Kai was also credited as having helped unearth a number of talented players such as Peter Withe and Gary Bailey, both of whom would go on to play for England.

Having fallen in love with Rangers, Kai was always keen to help the Club at any opportunity and played a part in fellow Danes Jan Bartram and Brian Laudrup joining Rangers in the 1980’s & 1990’s.

Throughout his career, Kai had a number of business ventures including ‘Kai Johansen’s Bar and Lounge’ on Govan Road, naturally a popular haunt for Gers supporters.

Kai Johansen died on 13th May 2007 following a brave battle with cancer, he was 66. In a previous interview he had once stated “I’d die happy in Scotland and I’d even like to have my ashes scattered on the pitch”. Like many, the days he spent at Ibrox were the happiest of his life.

by Rick Plews