John Greig return represents new Ibrox era

THE return of John Greig to Ibrox tonight will be symbolic of the mood change which has swept through the Rangers’ support in the aftermath of Dave King’s ascent to boardroom control last Friday.
John Greig will return for Rangers' league meeting with Queen of the South tonight. Picture: SNSJohn Greig will return for Rangers' league meeting with Queen of the South tonight. Picture: SNS
John Greig will return for Rangers' league meeting with Queen of the South tonight. Picture: SNS

For the first home fixture since the previous regime were ousted, a near capacity crowd is expected to join Greig in providing a ringing endorsement of the new board.

Greig has kept his distance from the club since resigning as a director in protest at Craig Whyte’s stewardship four years ago but has accepted King’s invitation to be guest of honour for the Championship visit of Queen of the South.

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The former player and manager, formally voted the ‘Greatest Ever Ranger’ by supporters back in 1999, was a much-valued daily presence at the Murray Park training ground before his departure.

John Greig will return for Rangers' league meeting with Queen of the South tonight. Picture: SNSJohn Greig will return for Rangers' league meeting with Queen of the South tonight. Picture: SNS
John Greig will return for Rangers' league meeting with Queen of the South tonight. Picture: SNS

“John is what Rangers are all about and it was a sad day when he walked away from it,” says goalkeeper Lee Robinson. “That tells you how bad things must have been at the club.

“When I first came to Rangers as a 17 year old, John was good for me. I wasn’t aware of his stature around the club before I came, but you quickly learn.

“I liked John and he taught me a lot about Rangers. He was in at the training ground every day – in fact, he was the only person who had his name on one of the office doors here.

“He would watch all the youth team games and speak to you afterwards, telling you what you’d done well or not. He didn’t have to do that, it wasn’t his job or anything, but he was the same with all the young lads.

“As a player, it’s important to have someone like that around. He was so keen. He would encourage you, or give you a kick up the backside if you need it. But he was just a nice bloke.

“Sandy Jardine was also at the club along with John back then, two real legends. So it has been a big miss for the club not having both of them around. It’s great for everyone that John is coming back for the Queen of the South game.”

Robinson and his team-mates badly need to deliver a victory in front of Greig and a re-invigorated fanbase in order to bring some momentum to Rangers’ promotion bid.

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With 12 games of their regular Championship season remaining, they are three points behind Hibs in the race for second place with two games in hand.

Tonight is the first of three consecutive home games over the next week – Rangers face

Livingston on Saturday and Alloa next Tuesday – before a potentially pivotal trip to Easter Road on 22 March.

“The last week has been good for the club off the pitch.

“But getting second place is so important and it would mean two fewer games for us in the play-offs.

“We wanted to win the league but that looks very difficult now, so second place is the priority for us.

Robinson added: “Hopefully, a good result against Queens could kick us on for the rest of the season.”

Meanwhile, Rangers will have a cash gate for the Club Deck at Ibrox tonight up until kick-off.

Due to demand, fans who have pre-booked tickets are being urged to uplift at least two hours prior to kick-off.

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