In the pantheon of Scottish football greats, few names resonate with the same reverence and admiration as John Greig. His career with Rangers and the Scottish national team is nothing short of legendary. As a player, captain, and later as a manager, Greig’s influence on Scottish football remains unparalleled.
Born on September 11, 1942, in Edinburgh, John Greig, who was raised in a football-loving household, grew up supporting Heart of Midlothian. However, his journey to Rangers would come 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. 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.
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.
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.
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 took on the challenge with the same tenacity that had defined his playing career. In his first season as manager, Rangers finished second in the league, narrowly missing out on the title. Despite not winning the championship, Greig’s team performed admirably in European competitions, reaching the quarter-final of the 1978–79 European Cup. Rangers knocked out Italian champions Juventus and became the first club to win a European tie at PSV Eindhoven’s Philips Stadion, a remarkable achievement. However, they were eventually eliminated by FC Cologne in the quarter-finals. Greig’s tenure as manager was marked by some notable successes, particularly in domestic cup competitions. Under his guidance, Rangers won two Scottish Cups and two League Cups. However, despite these triumphs, Greig’s time in charge was ultimately overshadowed by the club’s failure to secure the league title. As Celtic continued to dominate Scottish football, the pressure on Greig intensified. In 1983, under immense pressure from supporters, the media, and the board, Greig resigned from his managerial post. His departure marked the end of an era at Rangers, as the club would go on to appoint Jock Wallace as his successor. Despite the challenges he faced as a manager, Greig’s tenure must be viewed in a broader context. He took over the club during a transitional period, and while he didn’t achieve the same level of success as a manager that he had as a player, his contributions to Rangers during this time should not be overlooked.
Even after stepping down as manager, John Greig’s association with Rangers did not end. He continued to serve the club in various capacities, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty to the institution that had given him so much. In 1990, he returned to the club as part of the public relations team, playing a key role in maintaining Rangers’ strong connection with their supporters.During Dick Advocaat’s tenure as manager (1998-2001), Greig was reintegrated into the football side of the club, helping with coaching and youth development. His influence on young players during this time ensured that future generations understood what it meant to wear the Rangers jersey. In 2003, Greig was appointed to the Rangers board of directors, where he played an advisory role in shaping the club’s future. However, his time on the board came to an abrupt end in 2011 when he resigned alongside John McClelland following the controversial takeover of the club by Craig Whyte. Greig later cited that he and McClelland had been excluded from the corporate governance of the club since Whyte took control, prompting their departure. Despite this brief hiatus from Rangers, Greig returned to the club in 2015 when he was named honorary life president. In this role, he assumed ambassadorial responsibilities, representing Rangers at public events and maintaining a strong connection between the club and its fanbase.
John Greig’s legacy at Rangers is unmatched. His 755 official appearances for the club, his 120 goals, and his 15 years as captain mark him out as a colossus in the history of Scottish football. Moreover, his success on the international stage with Scotland further enhances his reputation as one of the country’s greatest-ever players. Yet, beyond the statistics, Greig’s lasting influence lies in the qualities he embodied: leadership, loyalty, and determination. His resilience during tough periods, particularly during Celtic’s dominance in the 1960s and 1970s, only served to strengthen his status as a Rangers legend. When he was voted “The Greatest Ever Ranger” by the club’s supporters in 1999, it was a fitting tribute to a man who had given so much to the club over five decades. In the hearts of Rangers fans, John Greig remains the standard-bearer for what it means to be a Ranger. His dedication to the club, both on and off the pitch, continues to inspire generations of players and supporters alike. John Greig’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and unwavering loyalty. From his humble beginnings in Edinburgh to becoming Rangers’ most iconic player, Greig’s journey is a testament to his character. His legacy as The Greatest Ever Ranger is well-earned, and his contributions to both club and country will forever be etched in the annals of Scottish football history. Whether as a player, manager, or ambassador, John Greig’s name will always be synonymous with Rangers Football Club, a true giant of the game whose influence transcends generations.