Player Profile - Örjan Persson
Swedish Internationalist Örjan Persson was signed from Dundee United on August 3rd 1967 in a deal which took the the legendary Davie Wilson and wing-half Wilson Wood to Tannadice. An all-action style winger, Persson was a player who could excite the fans through his mesmerising runs and pin-point crossing, able to manipulate movement of the football due to his excellent technique.
Örjan arrived in Scotland towards the end of 1964 when he became the first overseas player to sign for Dundee United. The United manager of the time, Jerry Kerr, was one of the first Scottish managers to turn to the Scandinavian market and soon there would be somewhat of an influx. By the time Persson clinched his move to Glasgow as a free agent, Rangers had jumped on the bandwagon to sign players such as Eric Sorensen, Kai Johansen and Jorn Sorensen. Celtic manager Jock Stein had also expressed an interest in signing Örjan but it was Scot Symon who secured the services of the 24 year-old. Within a matter of weeks, Symon had been replaced by David White.
Persson began his playing career with local side Smögens IF before joining Gothenburg Örgryte in 1961. It was whilst playing with Örgryte that Persson came to Kerr's attention when they faced Dunfermline Athletic in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Persson scored on his Gers debut at Pittodrie on 12th August 1967, his 25th minute strike cancelled out late on as Aberdeen secured a draw in the opening League Cup sectional tie. Danish keeper Eric Sorensen and striker Alex Ferguson made their debuts in the same match. Persson's next goal just a few weeks later was one never to be forgotten, the winner versus Celtic at Ibrox as Rangers took the honours in the first Old Firm league meeting of the season. It consigned the visitors to their first defeat 'post Lisbon' and it was an absolute cracker. The winger embarking on a long, mazy run before leashing a tremendous shot home from an exceptionally tight angle After just a handful of games, Örjan had produced a moment that would ensure he would forever remain in the hearts of the Gers support.
Örjan scored 22 league goals in his first two season at Rangers, a more than credible return in 60 starts for a wide player. There was a hat-trick in his debut season as Stirling Albion were defeated 5-0 at Ibrox on 16th March 1968. Frustratingly, Rangers would finish the season two points adrift of the top spot and major silverware would elude Persson during his three years at the Club.
A league goal at Parkhead at the start of season 1968/69 was another highlight, Rangers winning 4-2. It was the first win at Parkhead for Rangers since New Year's Day 1964 and one for the large travelling support to savour. Persson gave Celtic full back Tommy Gemmell a torrid afternoon and, on 15 minutes, completely bamboozled keeper Simpson with a header which went in at the far post to open the scoring. The Scottish Cup Final later that season proved to be a far less enjoyable occasion when the two sides met, Persson part of the starting line-up in a match that would signal the end of Alex Ferguson's Rangers career.
1969/70 would prove to be the final one for Örjan in Scotland. For the third successive season, he found the net in an Old Firm clash this time netting in a 2-1 League Cup win at Ibrox despite having fallen behind to a Harry Hood goal after just 8 minutes. Rangers would score twice in a two minute spell at the start of the second half to turn the match. Persson with the equaliser before Willie Johnston clinched the victory. His last goal for the Club came on foreign soil against Polish side, Gornik Zabrze. It gave Rangers some belief, reducing the deficit to 2-1 before the home side restored their two goal lead in the closing moments. Rangers returned home not without hope of qualifying for the next round but the wheels would come off in Glasgow when Gornik repeated that 3-1 score line to progress 6-2 on aggregate. Manager David White was dismissed the following day. Örjan would make just three more appearances following that now infamous European exit.
Whilst still with Rangers, Persson played in the 1970 World Cup finals in Mexico (appearing against Israel and Uruguay) but soon returned to Örgryte where he continued his international career, turning out in the World Cup finals in West Germany in 1974. Proudly representing Sweden 48 times, he scored 7 goals.
Örjan Persson, or 'orange person' as he was famously nicknamed, is remembered fondly by supporters of Rangers and Dundee United.
by Rick Plews
