John Greig on board of Rangers youth development

John Greig was at Ibrox yesterday to join the board of Rangers Youth Development Company

The 72-year-old, who was voted by the club’s fans as the Greatest Ever Ranger, confirmed yesterday that he will play an important role in the organisation’s ongoing development.

RYDC, which is independent from the football club, was originally established as Rangers Development Fund in 1964 and has provided £5.5 million towards the Ibrox youth department in the last decade.

Greig said: “I am delighted to join the board of the Rangers Youth Development Company. Since 1964 they have backed Rangers Football Club in a variety of ways and it is my pleasure to assist them in any way I can.

“Fans always play Rangers Lotto, buy Stadium Bricks or purchase Rising Stars tickets and Scratchcards and it is terrific that all profits raised from these products go directly to the youth programme.

“RYDC will continue to grow and it my pleasure to assist by joining their Board. I have always had a strong relationship with them and I applaud Colin Stewart (RYDC Director of Operations) and his team for their sterling work.

“They help with the development of young players so I am delighted to lend my support.” A number of past and current players including Danny  Wilson, Charlie Adam, Alan Hutton, Tom Walsh, Ryan Hardie and Chris Burke have directly benefited from RYDC support.

Stewart paid tribute to Greig for joining him on the Board. He said: “John is a man of great integrity and honour. His contribution to Rangers Football Club was immense as a player, manager and director and we are thrilled to have him on our board.

“He is one of the greatest names in Scottish football history and he has always been a firm supporter of RYDC so we look forward to working with him closely.”