Changing Room Chat: Stars of the ‘70s: No 3, John Greig

ALTHOUGH born in Edinburgh and growing up as a Hearts fan, John Greig became synonymous with Rangers, spending his entire playing career at Ibrox between 1961 and 1978, and also acting as manager and director.

Voted the Greatest Ever Ranger by the club’s fans, Greig’s crowning achievement came in 1972 when he captained the club to European Cup Winners’ Cup success with a 3-2 victory over Dynamo Moscow in Barcelona.

Greig, who had started out as a striker and gradually dropped back through the positions, eventually settling at right-back, was known for his determined and forceful style. The heart of his Rangers’ career coincided with Jock Stein’s great Europe-conquering nine-in-a-row Celtic side between 1966 and 1974. His resilience in these years earned him great respect. He won trebles in 1976 and 1978 before managing the team until 1983. He had roles within the club and was a director until the ill-fated takeover by Craig Whyte.