When Walter Smith entered the transfer market in July 1993 to sign Falkirk’s Fraser Wishart, it raised more than a few eyebrows and certainly created fewer headlines than fellow summer signing Duncan Ferguson.
A Johnstone boy, Fraser had already amassed in excess of 200 league appearances during his career but, without wishing to appear disrespectful, these had come at a variety of Scotland’s less fashionable club sides. He would now find himself part of star studded first team dressing room at Ibrox.
An attacking right-full back, Fraser had kick-started his career at Pollok Juniors following unsuccessful trials with Clydebank and Hamilton. His time at Newlandsfield saw him attract the attention of several senior clubs, Rangers included. In fact, he was invited to turn out for John Hagart’s Reserve side which featured the likes of Derek Ferguson, Ian Redford and John MacDonald. Despite being offered a short-term deal, Wishart instead opted for Fir Park where he was soon playing first team football under the management duo of Tommy McLean and Tom Forsyth.
With Motherwell looking for a quick return to Scotland’s top flight, in the absence of any available funds, McLean had been forced to turn to youth and he would assemble a side that included Gary McAllister, Tom Boyd, Brian McClair and Andy Walker, all of whom would go on to earn big money moves in years to come. Fraser would remain with the Lanarkshire side until 1989 when he jumped at the opportunity to join St. Mirren, his boyhood heroes. However, his time at Love Street did not prove to be the happiest with injuries halting his progress.
The impact of the Taylor Report was hampering the majority of Scottish Clubs by the early 1990’s, Stadium improvements becoming the urgent priority with squads being cut the length and breadth of the country. Incredibly, just as he should have been reaching his peak, Fraser found himself out of a job for almost half a season before eventually being offered another short-term deal at Falkirk. His time at Brockville went well enough to put Fraser back in the shop window and whilst several Clubs in the UK were beginning to express interest, it was Walter Smith who stepped in to offer the 28-year-old the much-needed stability of a 2-year contact.
Fraser would make his Rangers debut on 7th August 1993 as Hearts were defeated 2-1 at Ibrox on the opening day of the 1993/94 league campaign. The exertions of the previous season were starting to be felt, Maxwell, Pressley, Wishart and Hagen all starting due to injuries. Performing well, he would feature regularly during the opening 5 weeks of the season and retained his place in the starting line up for the first Old Firm match of the season. However, with Gary Stevens and David McPherson gradually returning after injury it was perhaps not surprising that opportunities became less frequent. He would make a late substitute appearance as Celtic were defeated 1-0 at (neutral) Ibrox to secure a place in the League Cup Final.
It was testament to Fraser that Walter Smith seemed to have no hesitation in turning to him on such occasions, his first outing of the 1994/95 being another Old Firm clash as Celtic were defeated 3-1 in the League. Played at Hampden due to Parkhead being under reconstruction, the match witnessed the outstanding debut of Alan McLaren. Whilst Wishart once again performed admirably, the arrival of McLaren was another huge obstacle in Fraser achieving regular game time with Rangers.
Fraser’s final appearance for Rangers would also mark the end of Pieter Huistra’s time in Scotland, the Dutchman signing off in style with a double in a 3-2 victory at Falkirk on 14th January 1995.
Ironically, Fraser joined Hearts (from whom Rangers had captured McLaren) and a squad that included Ex-Gers Jim Bett, Davie McPherson & Davie Hagen. He returned briefly to Motherwell before spending several years with troubled Clydebank and finally Airdrieonians.
Later becoming chief executive of PFA Scotland, Fraser has been involved with the players’ union since his playing days and has remained a high-profile figure in Scottish Football over the last 15 years particularly as and when clubs have encountered financial difficulties. He has also been a regular football pundit on the airwaves down through the years.
