An honest, old fashioned and bustling centre forward who had been converted from a central defender in the earlier part of his career, Colin’s greatest strengths were his power and aerial ability but he certainly had an eye for goal. Nobody would ever have questioned his commitment or will to win any time he pulled on the famous blue jersey.
Affectionately known as ‘big beastie’, at almost 29 years of age Colin was an experienced player by the time he arrived at Rangers having made more than 200 league appearances for clubs such as Dumbarton, Motherwell and Thistle. His transfer to Ibrox was the first in the history of Scottish Football to be settled by a tribunal (Thistle valuing him at some £300k).
Colin’s debut season, 1980/81, proved to be his most rewarding in blue as he netted 12 goals in 31 league appearances. This included a memorable double during the 3-0 victory over Celtic in November 1980 where he would find himself in direct opposition to his brother, Tom. He would feature in the 1981 Scottish Cup Final against Dundee United which ended in stalemate but made way for Derek Johnstone in the victorious replay.
Colin did appear in the 1983/84 League Cup Final win over Celtic at Hampden, Jock Wallace introducing him as a substitute as Ally McCoist netted a hat-trick in a match requiring extra time.
McAdam was released by Rangers in March 1985, finishing his senior career back at Firhill. This followed on from a move to Hearts and a very brief spell in Australia.
Colin died in August 2013 at the age of 61.
by Rick Plews
