John Greig´s career with Rangers and the Scottish national team is nothing short of legendary. As a player, captain, and later as a manager, his influence on Scottish football remains unparalleled.

 

PART ONE

To understand the scale of Greig’s impact, however, one must first delve into the rich history of Scottish football—an enduring institution that has shaped national identity, nurtured fierce rivalries, and produced some of the most storied clubs and characters in the game. At the very heart of this proud tradition lies Rangers Football Club, an institution as synonymous with Scottish football as the thistle or tartan.

Scottish football traces its origins back to the late 19th century, when the Scottish Football Association was founded in 1873, making it the second oldest national football association in the world. It wasn’t long before club football began to flourish in Scotland, with fierce competition between local sides spurring the growth of the sport. Rangers Football Club, established in 1872 by four teenage rowing enthusiasts—Moses McNeil, Peter McNeil, William McBeath, and Peter Campbell—soon emerged as a dominant force in the game.

Rangers played their first match against Callander at Fleshers’ Haugh on Glasgow Green, and from those humble beginnings grew one of the most successful football clubs in the world. Rangers quickly rose through the ranks of Scottish football and became founding members of the Scottish Football League in 1890. They shared the inaugural league title with Dumbarton, marking the beginning of a winning tradition that would come to define the club.

Throughout the early 20th century, Rangers developed a passionate rivalry with Celtic, founded in 1888. Known as the Old Firm, this rivalry is steeped in history, religion, and regional identity, and has become one of the most intense and storied rivalries in global football. Rangers became a symbol of Protestant, unionist Glasgow, while Celtic represented the city’s Catholic, Irish community. While the social and religious divides have softened in recent years, the fervour of Old Firm clashes remains unmatched.

Rangers’ dominance in Scottish football only grew throughout the decades. Under the legendary management of Bill Struth—who led the club from 1920 to 1954—Rangers won an astonishing 18 league titles, 10 Scottish Cups, and 2 League Cups. Struth instilled a sense of discipline, honour, and professionalism that would define the club for generations. By the time John Greig joined the club in the late 1950s, Rangers were already an institution of immense stature, with high expectations and a vast, loyal fanbase.

 

PART TWO

Born on September 11, 1942, in Edinburgh, John Greig was raised in a football-loving household and grew up supporting Heart of Midlothian. However, his journey to Rangers came through his youth development days playing for United Crossroads Boys Club under the mentorship of Eric Gardiner. Greig’s early career began in the lowlands of Scottish football, where his immense potential was evident to those who watched him closely.

It was Bob McAuley who finally spotted the young Greig’s talent, bringing him to Rangers at the age of 15. At first, the move to Rangers didn’t sit well with Greig, as his childhood allegiance was to Hearts, but his father persuaded him to join the Glasgow giants. After witnessing Rangers dismantle Hibernian 6–1 at Easter Road, Greig’s doubts quickly evaporated. He knew he was in the right place to make his mark on Scottish football.

Greig’s arrival at Rangers in 1961 marked the beginning of a career that would last over 17 years. Initially, Greig played as a forward, demonstrating the versatility that would come to define his playing style. However, his relentless work ethic, coupled with an exceptional footballing brain, made him more suited to a deeper role. Over time, Greig moved into midfield, where he played alongside another Rangers legend, Jim Baxter, before finally settling into his role as a defender.

During the early part of his career, Greig’s goalscoring prowess stood out. He notched up an impressive 120 goals across all competitions, a remarkable feat for a player who would eventually become a defender. Many of these goals came from his time playing higher up the pitch, but even as he transitioned into defense, Greig continued to score in key moments, often from set-pieces or marauding runs into the opposition box.

One of John Greig’s defining traits was his leadership. By 1965, he had become captain of Rangers, a role he would hold for over a decade. His presence on the pitch was commanding; his teammates looked to him not just for his playing ability but for the sense of calm and determination he brought to every game.

 

PART THREE

Under his captaincy, Rangers achieved unprecedented success. Greig’s leadership reached its zenith in 1972 when he captained Rangers to the European Cup Winners’ Cup, the club’s most significant European triumph. In the final, Rangers faced a formidable Dynamo Moscow side in Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium. The match was an intense, physical battle, with Rangers ultimately emerging as 3–2 victors. Greig’s captaincy throughout that tournament was instrumental, and the victory remains one of the most cherished moments in the club’s history.

However, Greig’s tenure as captain wasn’t without its challenges. His career coincided with a period of sustained dominance by Celtic, Rangers’ fierce city rivals. From the late 1960s to the mid-1970s, Celtic were a powerhouse under manager Jock Stein, winning nine consecutive league titles. Despite this, Greig’s fortitude and leadership ensured that Rangers remained competitive. His ability to rally the team during tough periods only further cemented his status as one of the club’s greatest captains.

Furthermore, under Greig’s captaincy, Rangers secured multiple domestic trebles, winning the Scottish League, Scottish Cup, and Scottish League Cup in the same season. His leadership during these campaigns epitomized what it meant to play for Rangers: unwavering commitment to success. Despite the towering presence of Celtic, Greig led Rangers to significant victories in the 1963–64, 1975–76, and 1977–78 seasons.

In particular, the 1977–78 season holds a special place in Rangers’ history, as it was Greig’s final year as a player. The club’s ability to win the domestic treble that year was a fitting send-off for a player who had given everything to Rangers. Moreover, it demonstrated Greig’s continued influence on the pitch, even in the twilight of his playing days. His leadership had inspired yet another successful era for the club, ensuring that Rangers remained a force to be reckoned with in Scottish football.

 

PART FOUR

In addition to his success at Rangers, John Greig enjoyed a distinguished international career with Scotland. Between 1964 and 1975, Greig earned 44 caps, 15 of which he served as captain. As with his role at Rangers, Greig’s leadership for the national team was paramount. He was known for his fierce pride in representing his country, leading by example with grit and determination on the international stage.

One of Greig’s most memorable moments for Scotland came in 1967 when he captained the team to a famous 3–2 victory over England at Wembley. The win was particularly significant because it was England’s first defeat as reigning world champions, having won the World Cup the previous year. Greig’s performance in that match was a testament to his defensive capabilities and his knack for rising to the occasion in big games.

Additionally, Greig played a crucial role in Scotland’s 1–0 victory over Italy in a World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park in 1965, scoring the winning goal. Although Scotland never qualified for a World Cup during Greig’s time, his contributions to the national team left an enduring legacy, inspiring future generations of Scottish footballers to follow in his footsteps.

 

PART FIVE

After retiring as a player in 1978, John Greig transitioned to management, taking over the reins at Rangers. It was a difficult period for the club, as they were undergoing a phase of rebuilding, and expectations were sky-high given the club’s illustrious history. Nevertheless, Greig approached the role with the same dedication and work ethic that had defined his playing career.

In his first full season as manager, 1978–79, Greig led Rangers to a domestic double, winning the Scottish Cup and the League Cup. The Scottish Cup final saw Rangers beat Hibernian 3–2 after extra time in a thrilling encounter, while the League Cup was secured with a 2–0 victory over Aberdeen. These early successes suggested that Greig could replicate his on-field triumphs from the dugout.

However, league success proved elusive. During Greig’s managerial tenure, Celtic remained strong competitors, and the likes of Aberdeen under Alex Ferguson and Dundee United under Jim McLean emerged as serious threats. Although Rangers consistently finished near the top, they were unable to reclaim the Scottish League title during Greig’s five-year spell in charge.

Nevertheless, there were highlights. The team made strides in Europe, reaching the quarter-finals of the European Cup in the 1978–79 season, only to be eliminated by Cologne. Domestically, Greig continued to win silverware, guiding Rangers to League Cup triumphs in 1981 and 1982, and another Scottish Cup in 1981. Moreover, Greig was praised for promoting youth talent and building a team that played attractive, attacking football.

But the pressure of managing a club with Rangers’ expectations began to take its toll. The constant comparisons to his own playing days, the growing strength of rivals, and the mounting frustrations from the Ibrox faithful all contributed to Greig’s decision to resign in October 1983. He was replaced by Jock Wallace, and Greig moved upstairs to become part of the club’s boardroom staff.

Despite not winning the league as a manager, Greig remained a respected and beloved figure at Ibrox. In 1999, he was voted “The Greatest Ever Ranger” by the club’s supporters, a testament to the impact he had on Rangers both on and off the pitch. His contributions to the club spanned decades and transcended roles, embodying what it meant to wear the famous blue shirt.