Rangers to rename Govan Stand after Sandy Jardine

Rangers are to rename the Govan Stand in honour of Sandy Jardine. Picture: Robert Perry

The Scotland international, a member of the Rangers team which won the European Cup-Winners’ Cup in 1972, died three months ago after losing his 18-month battle with cancer.

The club will honour his memory by renaming the Govan Stand at Ibrox as the Sandy Jardine Stand.

The full-back, who played for Scotland at the 1974 and 1978 World Cups, also worked for the club’s commercial department and was based in the offices at the Govan Stand for many years after returning to the club. The dedication will be in place in time for the opening Championship fixture of the season against Hearts – another of Jardine’s former sides – at Ibrox on Sunday, 10 August. His family will be guests of the club on the day.

Jardine’s widow Shona said: “My husband considered it a great honour and privilege to represent Rangers Football Club and I know he was extremely proud to receive this lasting tribute from the club he loved.”

Rangers chief executive Graham Wallace added: “Sandy Jardine epitomised everything that is good about Rangers Football Club. He was a man of principle and class and his contribution throughout his career both on and off the pitch was truly incredible. His achievements are unlikely to be seen again in the modern game and this is a truly fitting way to honour Sandy’s memory. The re-naming of the Govan Stand will be a permanent tribute to a man who gave everything for Rangers.”

Jardine was twice named Player of the Year in Scotland – once with Hearts – and helped Rangers win two domestic trebles – in 1976 and again two years later. He won 38 caps for Scotland and made almost 800 appearances for Rangers scoring 77 goals.

Meanwhile, Rangers were red faced after a 3-1 defeat by semi-professional side Ventura County Fusion in the first game of their American tour.