Angus McCallum (1970 to 1971)
Gus McCallum lived in the shadows of Ibrox Park and was in and around the first team squad during season 1970/71. Signed on ‘S’ Forms, Angus had previously turned out for Glasgow Amateurs.
A centre half who had represented Scotland at Youth level, McCallum’s sole first team outing came on New Year’s Day, 1971, as Rangers travelled to Falkirk on league business.
With the match taking place on the eve of the traditional Old Firm clash, manger Willie Waddell juggled the pack and handed the youngster his debut. The Club would be plunged into darkness just 24 hours later as the Ibrox Disaster unfolded and tragedy struck.
Back at Brockville, Rangers lost the match 1-3 with Alfie Conn on target for the visitors. Gus partnered the experienced Colin Jackson in the centre of defence and the pairing would find themselves in direct opposition to former Gers striker, Alex Ferguson.
Ferguson’s battling qualities were, of course, well known to Jackson and young Gus was told to expect a tough afternoon. Jackson later recalled “I warned Gus to watch himself. The first goal kick went up over the top of Fergie and when McCallum came down he had blood all over his face! I just said to Gus, ‘I told you so’!
On leaving Rangers, Gus joined Junior side Irvine Victoria.
by Rick Plews
