RANGERS IN LONDON
1960 - 1971
Matches, Memories & Talking
Points
From The Reds, Whites and Blues
RANGERS IN LONDON
1960 - 1971
Matches, Memories & Talking
Points
From The Reds, Whites and Blues
ARSENAL V RANGERS 1967
Alex Ferguson Gunned Down
Saturday 5th August 1967
EXTRACTS FROM BACKGROUND
When the World Cup came around, Arsenal made no contribution to England’s triumph apart from Billy Wright doing some Television punditry. (And just how galling is it, when your side is playing poorly and the manager is telling a TV audience how it should be done?!)
After the World Cup, Billy Wright was sacked. Though Wright characteristically took the decision like a gentleman, it certainly hurt him. In fairness, he was bringing through a talented crop of youngsters (Arsenal won the FA Youth Cup in 1965-66) and had made some good signings but a Board can only be so patient for so long. There was a feeling that some of the older players lacked commitment and Wright lacked the ruthlessness to rectify that situation. The dramatic slump in attendances required immediate action.
· EXTRACTS FROM RANGERS SINCE 1965
Rangers Season 1966-67 Cynics recall this season for one of the most famous shocks in ‘Cup’ football when Rangers lost to their tiny namesakes Berwick. Of course it was embarrassing, but in every League in Europe every giant club has been humbled at some stage usually in an away Cup tie. If the minnows have a goalkeeper capable of brilliance, more than a touch of luck, poor playing conditions and are fit and enthusiastic such a result is always possible. Berwick were managed by goalkeeper Jock Wallace. Ex Army Commando, fitness fanatic and a former English Division One Goalkeeper with West Brom. Most famously he was also a Rangers fanatic! Unfortunately Rangers real nemesis that year was Celtic who narrowly took the title by 3 points. The rest came nowhere with Davie White’s Clyde some 9 points behind in 3rd spot. More impressive was Rangers European Cup Winners’ Cup run. They reached the final only to be edged out in extra time in Nuremberg by Bayern Munich. Many have harshly queried Symon’s team selection that night, (in particular the choice of Roger Hynd) but Munich fielded an incredible spine of Sepp Maier, Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller. (See Talking Point Extracts)
The real problem was that Jock Stein had just won the European Cup. When Rangers are doing badly, the only solace for fans is seeing Celtic fare worse. By the same token when Celtic do well, Rangers however well they are playing must do better. Retrospectively Rangers ridiculously overreacted to the Berwick defeat by never fielding Jim Forrest again and selling him to Preston. Jim Forrest just happened to have one of those afternoons that day. For a man who had scored a staggering 145 goals in 163 games for Rangers, the treatment afforded to him was shabby, insensitive and a big mistake in footballing terms. Given that the 1967 European Champions were only able shade Rangers (had Rangers won the ‘Old Firm Derby’ on the final day of the season they would have been level on points), that 1967 team was a very good one. (Indeed I would argue that Rangers have since won Championships with inferior sides) In retrospect, I believe that it really did not require any extensive surgery, just some fine tuning to overtake Celtic.
· EXTRACTS FROM BERTIE MEE. YOU DON’T NEED 100 ENGLAND CAPS TO MANAGE ARSENAL!
There is an unfortunate attitude in the game amongst many professionals. If you haven’t been a pro you somehow you don’t really know about football. Fans and journalists are simply ‘punters’. It is not just incredibly offensive but also wrong. Bill Struth is ample evidence enough. There was more than a hint of Mr Struth in Arsenal’s new boss. For that matter, as I write there’s a chap called Mourinho who’s already won Championships, UEFA Cup and a European Cup and working wonders in West London!
Bertie Mee had not played any form of professional football following a serious injury at a young age. He went on to enjoy successful careers in the Army and then in Physiotherapy. He had been appointed Arsenal’s Physio in 1960 and was widely respected as one of the best practitioners in football. Moreover, he was widely respected by the Arsenal players and he knew them inside out. Initially he agreed to take the job on a trial basis for 1 year, if it didn’t work out he could resume work in his physio’s capacity. His diagnosis of Arsenal when he took over was, “there was nothing immediately wrong but the club had to be more professional from all angles. The danger was that mediocrity was being perpetuated.”
He hadn’t gone back to his magic sponge! In his first season in charge, Arsenal finished 7th in the League. His first acquisition of Dave Sexton as Coach was perhaps his shrewdest signing. Meanwhile Mee introduced younger players and a sense of purpose into Arsenal’s play. Arsenal did not have great players. Yet they were now fitter, developed a formidable defensive unit and inconsistent players were discarded. Sexton enhanced the technique of the players and a strong team ethic overrode any individuality. They weren’t always the prettiest to watch, but they were becoming much more effective.
Consistent Players Win Championships
Mee later told Gerhard Vinnai author of Football Mania, “Some players may be exciting to watch, but the end product is what matters. I want a high level of consistency – a man who can produce it in 35 games out of 42. You can tolerate 7 indifferent performances in a season, but you cannot win championships with 22 out of 42.”
On the left side was David Court still hard working and versatile, a product of Arsenal’s Youth policy. Had been particularly impressive in a man marking role. (see 1963).
John Sammels, a scheming forward with great talent and a venomous shot. A former England Youth international who went on to win Caps at Under 23 level and been on the verge of full England honours.
The slightly built George Johnston was a goal poacher with two good quick feet. Although perhaps more of an individualist than team player.
George Graham had joined from Chelsea in a cash and player swap for Tommy Baldwin. Another of Mee’s brainwaves was to later convert forward George Graham into a left sided midfielder. Not only could he still ‘weigh in’ in with goals, but he was a fantastic passer of the ball. Indeed at this time he was more of a target man than the traditional an out and out ‘poacher’. Instead Graham used his passing and high leap / heading to bring other forwards into play. Most of his goals came from more than 6 yards out and his distance shooting was excellent. His lack of pace earnt him the nickname of Stroller!
EXTRACTS FROM MATCH BUILD UP
· FRIDAY NIGHT AND LONDON’S LIGHTS Rangers new signings captured the imagination of their supporters. Fans started to appear en masse in London on Friday night, the advanced party of an awesome 10,000 plus travelling support (and right in the middle of the Holiday Season). The Evening Times spoke to 16 year old Eddie Brown who spoke for many when he explained his long journey. “Rangers have shown the fans they mean business. We’re expecting great things (from the new signings).”
The Rangers team enjoyed a bit more luxury than most of their travelling supporters, staying in 5 star hotel on the Friday night. Scot Symon told the inquisitive media that he would select his side just before kick off on Saturday.
The entire 15 man Rangers party limber up on the pitch. The 3 standby players are Goalkeeper Billy Ritchie plus wing halves Bobby Watson and Sandy Jardine. The 2 keepers warm up in the centre circle, throwing the ball at each other.
First Half : Arsenal kick towards the Clock End.
4 Mins : New signing Alex Ferguson fails to convert an early chance. The ‘Govan man’ bursts through, but is foiled by Arsenal keeper Furnell who sprints out and kicks the ball away from his feet.
5 Mins : 1-0 ARSENAL : Jon Sammels opens the scoring with a powerful effort from 30 yards out. Sorensen must take some of the blame for mistiming his dive.
Rangers are surprised by Arsenal’s defensive tactics. The Gunners cede 2/3 of the pitch to Rangers but then strike with swift counter attacks prompted by George Graham and John Sammels. Whenever Rangers get the ball into Arsenal’s third of the pitch they meet a resolute and no nonsense defence.
Despite enjoying most of the possession, Rangers are unable to create clear cut opportunities. When in possession, Arsenal play simple but neat and tidy football.
Rangers carve out an opportunity when Johansen evades 3 tackles and attempts to lob Furnell who gathers cleanly despite the attentions of Ferguson.
Following his early chances, Alex Ferguson is now superbly marshalled by Terry Neill and struggling to make any meaningful impact. His teammate, Willie Henderson is tightly marked by Peter Simpson.
Remainder of the First Half The Henderson/Simpson duel is particularly interesting. Henderson is lively and constantly looking for the ball, yet every time he receives it, Simpson works tirelessly to close him down.
Another duel is not quite so even. Andy Penman does not seem to be relishing his encounter against former Dundee and Scotland teammate, Ian Ure. Both men played in the Dundee Championship winning team of 1962. The defender looks the clear winner this afternoon.
John Greig plays Dave Smith through on goal. Once again the alert Jim Furnell dashes from his line to clear with his boot.
Having eventually shaken off Ure, Andy Penman has a good opportunity just a few yards from goal. The assured and alert Furnell plucks the ball from his feet.
Seconds later, Alex Ferguson is pulled down by Jon Sammels just outside the penalty area. Ferguson signals his displeasure to the Referee (and not for the last time in his career). Both players receive a lecture before Rangers take the free kick.
The free kick is played to Dave Smith who shoots through a ruck of players. Again, Furnell does particularly well to make a clean save.
Rangers almost concede another goal. Greig plays the ball back to Willie Johnston who in turn plays the ball back to Sorensen. There is a lack of communication as Sorensen advances from his line. Fortunately for Rangers, the ball strikes the advancing Sorensen on his shoulder on the edge of the box.
The final chance of the half falls to Andy Penman. Dave Smith picks him out with a good pass. From 25 yards out he blazes his shot just inches wide of the post.
· EXTRACTS FROM LOST YOUR BOTTLE – THE BLAME GAME
Football broadcaster, author and Arsenal fan Tom Watt in his book entitled, The End (80 Years of Life on the Terraces) recalls this fixture as a seminal moment for Arsenal fans. He writes “the ‘taking’ of the home end by Glasgow Rangers fans in 1967 established a precedent that the teenagers on the North Bank decided was not acceptable. In their eyes, protecting the terrace became as much a part of the lads’ duty to the club as cheering on the team.”
He also quotes several eye witness accounts from Arsenal fans. Including boxing promoter Frank Warren who comments, “The first fight I ever saw at Arsenal was at a friendly match against Glasgow Rangers which was diabolical, they were slinging bottles, really bad news, and that all happened in the North Bank. Glasgow Rangers supporters were in there and that was the first sign of seeing any hooliganism…I come from a rough part of Islington anyway. You’re not going to say you’re not used to seeing it, but for football it was the first time I was ever in where it happened.”
Perhaps young Frank and Tom had not gone West to Bristol Rovers earlier in the year. 28th January 1967, to be precise. According to Chris Brown in his book Bovver this fixture saw the first ever full-scale hooligan invasion and occupation of Rover’s home terrace by a set of visiting fans….
EXTRACTS FROM TALKING POINTS
THE 1967 EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS CUP FINAL Playing a team as good as Bayern Munich in practically their own backyard, was always going to be a very difficult task. Famously Scot Symon raised eyebrows with his selection of Roger Hynd as a forward. Yet it nearly paid off as Rangers had the better of the first half and the second half was pretty much even. Hynd put in a fine performance, ruffling the cultured defence with his physical and aerial presence. He created a number of chances and brought teammates into the game with his heading. More to the point he had one goal disallowed, one attempt cleared off the line and was also denied by a finger tip save from Maier. Bayern netted their winner in extra time and the general consensus was that it had been a very close game. Ken Gallagher writing for the Daily Record described Rangers performance as “world class”. Perhaps had Jim Forrest been playing alongside him, Rangers may well have had the craft to go with Hynd’s graft.
The Chairman Who Never Sleeps
Chairman Denis Hill Wood’s family were Lancashire cotton barons. He held Directorships in Hambros Bank, the Allied Investors Trust, the West London Property Group and some 17 other companies. (How did he fit all this and Arsenal into a week. Must be the Chairman who never sleeps!).
Knights, Baronets And Divine Intervention
Sir Guy Bracewell-Smith Bt (A Baronet no less!), MBE, MA : Director of the Park Lane Hotel, the Ritz Hotel, Eagle Star Assurance and Wembley Stadium.
Sir Robert Bellinger GBE : Chairman of Kinlock Provision and Lord Mayor of London in 1966.
S C McIntyre Esq, MBE, FCIS : Deputy chairman of Pearl Assurance, Director of the Charter Trust and the Property and Investment Trust.
The remainder of the Board comprised of Denis’s son Peter and for some divine intervention the Reverend N F Bone.
Football Mania
In a book titled Football Mania from 1973, author Gerhard Vinnai tracked down Guy and put this ‘poser’ to him. That a sport largely paid for, by working class men at the gates and played by working class men on the pitch should be owned by so exclusive a group of capitalists. Guy replied that it was no bed of roses to help govern a club like Arsenal. ‘All I’m concerned with is that we should win’. He was not forthcoming with any further information, cryptically stating, ‘One club, one chairman, one voice’.
Football Man Another author to study the Arsenal Board was Arthur Hopcroft in the Football Man. He spoke to Denis Hill-Wood, ‘The chairman of Arsenal represents the public school in the football Boardroom.’ When Hopcroft asked when Hill-Wood was elected Chairman of Arsenal, he said with the tiniest hint of reproof in his voice, “You are not elected at Arsenal, you are just asked.”
Denis Hill-Wood likened the Chairman’s role to being ‘Head of Entertainment.’ Saying “The Chairman’s got to see that the Manager produces an entertaining side” Given Arsenal’s playing style, Hopcroft thought he had caught him out. However Hill Wood replied, “Every fan you ask will say he wants to see lively, open football. But what the fan really wants is to see his team win.” (He certainly knew his Arsenal fans!)
It’s far too easy to be critical, however I get particularly upset to hear of Rangers or for that matter anyone receiving unjustified abuse. In the case of an ex player, it may be understandable. There is a disappointment that things could have gone better and in fairness if a player is disappointed, it at least shows they cared. (Or they are desperate for a few quid from the Press). What I find unacceptable is when that individual shows more than a touch of hypocrisy in their own dealings.
Alex Ferguson’s spell at Rangers was to put it mildly something of a disappointment for both club and player. However Ferguson has since launched a certain amount of vitriol towards his former club who forked out a record fee between Scottish clubs to secure his services in July 1967. He was eventually offloaded to Falkirk for one third of his original fee in October 1969.
In practically any form of ‘falling out’ be it business, football or life, it’s usually a case of taking two to tango But not when this ex-Ranger is at the receiving end and not for the last time.
Ferguson was of course disappointed in that he expected to win plenty of Cups and Scotland Caps. Ambition is good but Dennis Law, Alan Gilzean and Colin Stein were far better Scottish players who combined effort with much more skill. Playing for Rangers does not guarantee a Scotland Cap, it provides an opportunity for the player to showcase their talent. The Scotland manager selects the best players for Scotland not just because they play for Rangers. Ferguson never won a Scotland cap, he did represent the Scottish Football Association in 1967 but even being generous that was Scotland’s ‘B’ team and no Caps were awarded.
You hardly needed to be a genius to work out that Rangers needed something special to catch up with Jock Stein’s remarkable brand of management which had transformed Celtic into one of the most effective club sides in Europe. Moreover when Rangers were on the verge of success, it might have helped had he not given away a penalty at Leeds in the 1968 Fairs Cup nor shamefully ignored his manager’s orders to cover Billy McNeill at corners in the 1968 Scottish Cup Final. (Colin Stein was suspended) Ferguson claimed that the goal was in effect Ronnie McKinnon’s fault, but then again it usually is. For Rangers to win silverware, they had to beat Celtic and he needed to score against them. In his time at the club he managed a grand total of 1 goal against them in that most crucial of tournaments, the Glasgow Cup.
Though Ferguson’s scoring rate was reasonable (and don’t forget the quality service, especially out wide from Johnston and Henderson), closer scrutiny of the statistics showed that whilst he plundered against the lesser teams, against the better ones at home and in Europe he just didn’t deliver. Either he was not good enough and as I partly suspect he lacked the temperament to produce in high pressure matches. (His Rangers debut when he really wanted to impress being a case in point)
Indeed if he was so keen to get caps and medals and felt he was that good, why did he not seize the opportunity to resurrect his career when opportunity subsequently knocked at Hibernian or Nottingham Forest? It might have helped had he not demanded 10% of the transfer fee. (Source Michael Crick, The Boss). More money out of Rangers.
Rangers had a responsibility to their fans to buy Colin Stein when the superior talent was available.
It is clear in his autobiography Ferguson didn’t rate Davie White and he claims vice versa. A real Ranger would surely try to win over his new boss. Rangers have dropped far better players than Alex Ferguson. There were seasoned internationals in that Rangers team, maybe they were not impressed with White, yet they gave him a chance. Nor did criticising his manager in the press help his cause.
Given Alex Ferguson’s reputation for being ‘tricky’ and ‘argumentative’, it is hardly surprising that Davie White froze him out. Why would he want a player that didn’t want to play for him and was a potentially disruptive influence? Ferguson claims to have been unhappy about having to train with the ‘thirds’. What on earth was White meant to do? By encouraging Ferguson to work with the youngsters, he was at least doing something positive both for the club and Ferguson. The latter himself has not been averse to following White’s policy when it comes to trying to force players out.
Davie White was keen that players should talk to him especially if anything was troubling them. By most accounts, players felt comfortable in his company. Why did Ferguson not simply request a meeting with his manager and thrash it out? It seems that Ferguson made no such attempt, and jumped to conclusions. It might have been a case that White criticised Ferguson to motivate him.’ Has Ferguson never heard of ‘player psychology’ and mindgames?
The ultimate cause of his decline so he argues in his Autobiography (ignoring any of the above) was regarding his wife’s religion. Rangers would have known that before signing him, especially as they had spent some time tracking him. Moreover if that was the cause of his departure, why did Rangers, invite him back as manager in 1983?. If Rangers were such a terrible club why did Ferguson support them from the terraces and then jump at the chance to join them? Actually I wish Rangers had done more homework on him. His workrate and heading ability were not enough in the ‘silverware’ deciding Old Firm games where he would come up against Celtic’s Skipper and Scotland International, Billy McNeill. A man bigger and stronger, too good for him in the air and in the tackle. Failing these qualities, pace and no little skill were required to get the better of McNeill. Ferguson needed the forward line built around him but frankly as a player, he was vastly inferior to the likes of Willie Johnston and Willie Henderson. Rangers should never have sold Jim Forrest.
Ferguson took umbrage that Rangers used the media to reveal that he was no longer a part of their plans. Rangers were hardly the first to do so. Long before Ferguson, it has been a ploy for clubs to signal player availability and vice versa. There are some managers who use the press to signal their desire to acquire a player thereby unsettling the player and his club. I assume that Rangers wished to make his availability well known so that they could recoup some of their £60,000, which ultimately came from the fans pockets. All this from a man who is a ruthless manipulator of the media. A man who used the media to get at White.
Shameful
Ferguson has also gone into print to make some appalling comments about the deceased Willie Allison. Allison had spent over 40 years in journalism as a Sports Editor, football and golf writer and was both popular and highly respected. In 1965 he accepted an invitation to become Rangers first Public Relations Officer. As a passionate and lifelong supporter he clearly felt honoured. His Uncle and close friend John Allan had been Rangers Historian until he died in 1953 and had written 3 immaculately detailed books chronicling Rangers from their inception up to 1951. Allison at Allan’s request, later updated these works with ‘Rangers, The New Era’ published in 1966. An excellent book that is also an epitaph to an excellence with words and a love of Rangers. His generousity of praise to opponents suggests a thoroughly decent and objective man.
Therefore, I find Ferguson’s words to be incredibly hurtful to Willie Allison’s memory, his remaining family and the wider Rangers family. It is hardly courageous to lay one’s blame at a dead man who cannot answer back.
Excuses, Excuses. Strangely enough in Rangers Supporters’ Association Annual 1968-69, there was yet another excuse for his decline. In an article entitled ‘Success Can’t Be Bought’ by Alex Young of the Scottish Daily Mail. Alex (Young) wrote :
“Has the £60,000 buy from Dunfermline had a fair chance?”.
Fergie himself is convinced of this : he has never been a successful centre forward. Nor does he enjoy the position. He (Ferguson) argues that he made his name as an inside-forward who could position himself to run on to a ball and score vital goals – and this Rangers have experienced to their cost.
Fergie is still adamant. In Copenhagen he said :
“I have never deceived myself into thinking I’m a clever forward. All I lay claim to is that with all my clubs I’ve given 100 per cent effort and scored a mountain of goals.”
“I can do the same again if I get my chance – at inside-left.”
Bet He’s Wrong Ferguson’s autobiography makes references about heavy gambling within the team, I’m intrigued. Maybe Jim Baxter when he rejoined in 1969. But as Ferguson was cast adrift from the first team by then, I wonder where he witnessed all this. He provides no evidence. If Rangers players were losing £2,000 to £3,000 per session, (ie over half their annual salary) I’d have expected reports of half the team begging for change in Sauchiehall Street. Or they could have asked to be transferred and demanded a cut of the transfer fee.
Alex Ferguson v Ronnie McKinnon. Alex Ferguson v Willie Henderson
Finally Ferguson has made some unpleasant remarks about Willie Henderson and Ronnie McKinnon – Both regular Scottish Internationals, Henderson 29 (caps) Ferguson 0 : McKinnon 28 Ferguson 0
Both men are still adored by the fans at Ibrox.
If Alex Ferguson was a paragon of virtue, one might have more sympathy. Yet this is an individual who when it comes to reviewing his time at Rangers, does not practice what he preaches. Michael Crick and his team of researchers in their book ‘The Boss’ expose the man for what he really is. I look forward to reading Crick’s updated edition.
David Mellor QC V Alex Ferguson
I enjoyed this piece written by Chelsea fan David Mellor QC in the Evening Standard on 16 January 2004. “I had dinner with the Chief Executive of a household name company on Tuesday. He told me that he had just signed a declaration that none of his relatives had benefited from the company under his management. The consequences of him doing any business with his son would be fatal, he sighed. So he had a question for me: “How does Sir Alex Ferguson get away with it? After all we’re both public companies ostensibly subject to the same rules.”
I think that knighthood stank. Indeed it was deeply offensive to football fans from all sorts of clubs. Bill Nicholson was the first manager of any English side to win any European silverware. And What about the European Cup? Bob Paisley won it numerous times, Jock Stein was the first, Joe Fagan won it as part of a Treble in his ‘rookie season, Brian Clough won it twice with unfashionable Notts Forest. and I could happily go on. But no matter how dignified they were and what they contributed to Football, no knighthoods for them!
Kate Hoey MP has since revealed that the Prime Minister’s former Lieutenant, Alistair Campbell rushed through the knighthood. Riding roughshod over vetting and the standard procedure of fully weighing up entitlement to the award. At the time Campbell was very close to Ferguson and received seats for Manchester United games from his friend. (Why should a self styled Burnley fan deprive genuine United fans of a seat). Their personal friendship was part of a particularly close relationship he enjoyed with New Labour and Tony Blair. Tony’s Cronies?
At least it highlights a need for ‘Civil Servants’ to declare any gifts they receive and more pressingly a need to restrict the gongs for genuine and selfless acts of heroism and charity.
And More Shame.. Did you know why Referee David Elleray did not officiate at Old Trafford following the sending off Dennis Irwin in 1999? Philip Don, the former head of the Referee’s Association explained that following Ferguson’s vitriolic post match comments (also made by his Chief Executive and Chairman), Elleray received death threats, abusive phone calls and had to install a panic button in his home. Elleray didn’t want to referee at Old Trafford after that. (Source Martin Samuel, The Times, 31 March 2004). Hardly the stuff one would expect from a Knight of the Realm.
In a change from badmouthing Rangers, Ferguson tried to be a master of diplomacy when Rangers and Manchester United were paired in the same Champions’ League group. It couldn’t have been anything to do with his former player Alex McCleish in charge at Ibrox. Nor the controversy he had already caused that season ; his players brawling with Arsenal’s, serious charges against one of his player’s for not bothering to turn up for a drugs test (going out shopping and contacting his GP were more important), charges against him for calling a Referee a cheat, falling out over a racehorse with powerful Manchester United shareholders and an impending Court case. (Should he have ever been allowed to accept such a gift and have had such a relationship in the first place?).
Strange how those legal proceedings were later dropped when a flurry of allegations about Ferguson and his son Jason were aired in the national press? I thought he was made of sterner stuff, he comes from Govan.
· RANGERS
Rangers made a flying start to the League that season. At the end of October they were unbeaten and top of the League with a record of 8 matches played, 6 wins and 2 draws and a 1-0 triumph over Celtic. On 1st November 1967, the Board made the shock decision to dismiss Scot Symon. Made all the more peculiar given the money that the Board had made available to him in the summer. Most distasteful was the manner of his notification of dismissal through a third party. Scot Symon dusted himself down and went on to briefly figure as a Director at Dumbarton and manage Partick Thistle where he was always pleased to see his old players. Scot Symon neither criticised his old club nor sold any ‘exclusive’. Taking over the baton from Bill Struth made it an impossible mission. Yet Symon emerged from his shadow to become one of the greatest Rangers of the 20th Century.