Ray Wilkins (1987 to 1989)
Raymond Colin Wilkins MBE was a Rangers player for only two years but it is probably fair to say that no other player has made such a lasting impact within the Club (and with the supporters) in such a relatively short period of time.
A “Rolls Royce” of a midfielder, 'Butch' had already amassed 84 full England caps, having played and captained his country at major international tournaments, by the time he arrived at Ibrox in 1987.
A club career which had taken him from Chelsea to Manchester United, from AC Milan to PSG would tell you all you need to know about the quality of Wilkins and it safe to assume that Graeme Souness felt he had pulled off a masterstroke when he secured the services of his ‘Auld Enemy’ for only £250k.
With Souness himself now struggling due to persistent injury and the leadership of Terry Butcher absent due to a leg break, there was only one man to turn to as he looked to compliment and nurture the talents of Ian Durrant, Derek and Ian Ferguson in the Rangers midfield. Seemingly arriving from nowhere, Wilkins graced the Ibrox pitch in his number 5 jersey for the first time on 28th November 1987, a 3-2 victory over Hearts.
Over the next two years Ray would be a model of consistency and professionalism in the Rangers midfield. His first goal for the Club came in a 4-0 win over St. Mirren at Ibrox in the February.
Whilst the remainder of season 1987/88 would be a disappointing one for all at Ibrox, the team regrouped and were galvanised for the start of 1988/89 and Ray was instrumental in the 5-1 thrashing of Celtic just three games into the new campaign. Nobody present will ever forget his stunning volley to put Rangers 2-1 ahead. Ray would go on to play 96 times for the Club scoring 3 goals along the way and securing two league championship medals and one league cup winners medal.
For family reasons, Ray returned to London (joining QPR) in 1989 and was given the send off he truly deserved in an emotional 3-0 win over Dunfermline at Ibrox. His pass for Johnston’s opener that day summed up the qualities of Ray perfectly.
Ray died on April 4th 2018 at the age of 61.
by Rick Plews
