Billy Semple (1967 to 1972)
At the age of 21, winger Billy made his debut for Rangers on the first day of 1968 as Partick Thistle were defeated 5-2 at Ibrox (Rangers would meet Celtic the very next day at Parkhead although Billy was not involved in that match). George Niven was by now in goals for Partick Thistle and the Gers scorers were Roger Hynd (2), Willie Johnston (2) and Andy Penman.
Coincidentally, Billy's first goal for Rangers came precisely two years later against the same opposition who by this time had the legendary Billy Ritchie in goal. Rangers would again run out winners, this time 3-1 (Colin Stein and Willie Johnston were the other Gers scorers).
The following month Billy would open the scoring in another 3-1 league win, this time over St. Johnstone at Ibrox with John Greig scoring the other Gers goals.
With fellow wide men such as Orjan Persson, Davie Wilson and Willie Johnston all at Ibrox during Billy’s time at the Club opportunities in the first team were limited and after 5 years at his boyhood heroes he moved on in search of regular first team football.
Following a spell with Dundee, Billy played in South Africa, USA and Hong Kong but remained a lifelong supporter.
by Rick Plews
