John McGregor (1987 to 1991)
John started his career with Queen’s Park and at the age of 16 made his debut for the Spiders on 22nd September 1979 in a Division Two win over Stenhousemuir at Ochilview. McGrgegor would remain a permanent fixture in the first XI as they achieved promotion to Division 1 (now the Championship) in time for season 1981/82. In his three seasons playing at Hampden he would make 124 appearances, scoring 22 goals.
Predominantly a centre-half, John could also perform in a midfield role where his tough tackling was well suited to the Scottish game. There was much interest in the youngster when it was clear that his time at Queen’s Park was coming to and end and despite a last minute signing attempt by Rangers he would join English Champions Liverpool in May 1982. A regular for the Reserve side during his time at Anfield, although John was a substitute on a number of occasions, he never managed to obtain game time with the first team. Given that Liverpool were the top side in Britain and Europe at that stage, it was perhaps not a major surprise.
John was sent back to Scotland for a loan spell with St.Mirren during season 1984/85 and, ironically, sustained an injury whilst playing against Rangers in a League Match at St.Mirren Park on 28th April 1984. The game ended 1-1 with Bobby Williamson scoring the Rangers goal. He would miss season 1984/85 due to his damaged knee and after returning to full fitness, was loaned to Leeds United in October 1985 where he featured in 5 matches for the Elland Road side.
McGregor would join Champions Rangers in the summer of 1987 where, along with Avi Cohen and Trevor Francis, he was one of three former team mates of Manager Graeme Souness to arrive at Ibrox. Whilst not of the same magnitude of Butcher and Woods arriving 12 months earlier, these signings would provide strength in depth as Rangers made their first assault on the European Cup since 1978.
Suspensions within the squad hanging over from season 1986/87 saw John thrown straight into action at the start of the new camapaign but it was not a great opening period in our quest to retain the title. The opening three games would see Rangers secure a solitary point (v Dundee United on the opening day) and even the return of Butcher and Souness on Matchday 3 could not prevent a narrow defeat.
John would start in both matches against Dynamo Kiev as Rangers progressed to the R2 of the European Cup on an unforgettable night at Ibrox despite having being handed one of the toughest challenges possible. Weeks later, John secured a League Cup medal as Aberdeen were defeated on penalty kicks after an epic 120 minutes at Hampden.
By February he had appeared in 34 matches but disaster struck on the 6th day of that month when he suffered a recurrence of his knee injury after clashing with Stewart McKimmie during a 2-1 win at Pittodrie. It was a setback from which he would never truly recover.
Although making a cameo farewell appearance in Poland as Katowice were defeated 4-2 in the UEFA Cup, by October 1988 John was forced to admit defeat and call time on his top flight career at the tender age of 25. A month later he was appointed to the coaching staff initially as assistant to Reserve Manager, Jimmy Nicholl. “It’s the best thing that could have happened after I quit. Rangers are in my blood and it’s great to be staying with the Club, added John.
He remained registered as a player and would play for the Reserves from time-to-time in addition to undertaking his coaching responsibilities. An injury crisis saw him make a return to the first team on 12th October 1991 as Rangers defeated St. Johnstone in Perth. It was typical of John to answer the call in such a manner. There can’t be too many players to have such an extended period between appearances.
John would continue to be involved at Rangers for the next 15 years, primarily along side John Brown in the Reserves and Youths. Nicknamed ‘Mad Dog’ as a player, he would fall foul of the authorities on a number of occasions despite moving away from the first team. In January 1994 he was incredibly banned from the dugout until 2000 after an incident versus Dundee. Already serving a 2 year ban, the additional 5 year punishment was the most severe ever handed out by the governing body. His player status allowed him to circumnavigate this to a certain degree.
Whilst John’s playing career ended a lot sooner than expected, he remained a great servant to Rangers for over 15 years and there are many members of The Rangers Archives who have fond memories of John as they progressed through the ranks.
by Rick Plews
