David MacFarlane (1984 to 1989)
The boyhood Rangers fan from Ayr made his debut in a Scottish Cup tie at Cappielow on 26th January 1985, Jock Wallace handing the 18 year old his big opportunity in a match that ended 3-3. Davie would go onto play 3 more first team matches during season 1984/85, including the Glasgow Cup Final win over Queen’s Park.
Signed from Ayr United Boys Club in 1984, his preferred position was in the centre of defence but he was also able to perform in a full-back or midfield role. It was in midfield he was utilised more frequently for the Rangers first team.
His most memorable moment at Ibrox came in season 1986/87 as Rangers lifted the first major trophy of the Souness/Smith era with a League Cup Final victory over Celtic at Hampden Park. Davie would make a late substitute appearance to collect his winners medal.
A regular for the Reserve side, he featured in 28 of a possible 33 league matches as Gers finished 4th in 1987/88 whilst helping himself to 8 goals. Only Gary McSwegan and John Spencer appeared in more Reserve League matches that season and, along with Sandy Robertson, those 4 were clearly identified as being potential future first team regulars.
In all, he would make 9 recognised first team appearances before joining Kilmarnock on a permanent basis after an initial loan period at Rugby Park (he also had a spell on loan with Dundee). The permanent move to Killie did not prove quite so successful as his loan spell, perhaps the weight of expectation given the healthy £100,000 fee was too great.
An unfruitful spell with Partick Thistle followed before David tried his luck in Australia but despite enjoying that lifestyle homesickness saw him return to Ayrshire.
Resurrecting his football career in the fiercely competitive Junior League, David played under former Scotland goalkeeper Alan Rough at a resurgent Glenafton Athletic. The New Cumnock side would win the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time in their history in 1993 with Davie setting up the only goal of the game.
Illness and personal problems took their toll on David and he sadly died in 2013 at just 46 years of age.
by Rick Plews
