Rangers FC, a club steeped in history and tradition, has seen its fair share of exceptional managers throughout the years. From their dominance in Scottish football to their memorable European adventures, Rangers has been lead by some remarkable figures. In the series of events which took place in the past weeks which resulted to the sack of former Manager, Michael Beale, we delve into the archives and celebrate the top 10 managers who have left an indelible mark on the Glasgow giants. Each of these tacticians brought their unique style, passion, and leadership to Ibrox, contributing to the rich tapestry of Rangers’ legacy.
10. William Wilton
William Wilton was selected as the inaugural manager of Rangers Football Club upon its incorporation as a limited company in 1899, following two years as match secretary. Rangers won eight League Championships, one Scottish Cup, nine Glasgow Cups, and seven Charity Cups while he was manager.
Additionally, he oversaw the club’s 1899 relocation to the present-day Ibrox Park and its reaction to the tragedy that occurred there three years later. The team won the League Championship for the tenth time during his final season as manager. Sadly, in May 1920, Wilton lost his life in a boating accident.
As Rangers manager, William Wilton oversaw 881 games, winning 553 of them. William Wilton was without a doubt the first person to lead the club.
9. Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard, a former Liverpool midfielder, took over as Rangers manager in 2018. He brought back former stars Allan McGregor and Steven Davis, as well as talented players like Connor Goldson, Borna Barisic, and Ryan Kent. Gerrard transformed Rangers into European Champions, reaching the Europa League group stages three years in a row and beating Porto, Feyenoord, and Braga. His main goal was to prevent Celtic from winning 10-in-a-row. On March 7, 2021, Rangers won their 55th League Title, securing their ultimate goal of stopping Celtic from reaching their ultimate goal. Gerrard’s success at Ibrox has made Rangers a contender for European Champions.
8. Dick Advocaat
Rangers appointed Dick Advocaat as their first foreign manager after Walter Smith’s departure in 1998. Advocaat, with a successful track record with PSV, spent over £35 million in his first season, bringing in talented players like Arthur Numan, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, and Stefan Klos. Rangers won the treble in Advocaat’s first season and dominated the league the following season, winning five of the first six trophies. However, Celtic appointed Martin O’Neill in 2000-01, leading to Celtic winning only their second domestic treble ever. Advocaat’s last season was the following season, as he moved into the Director of Football role. Despite facing pressure from Celtic, Advocaat’s first two seasons as Rangers Manager were dominant and a fantastic period for Rangers fans.
7. Alex McLeish
Alex McLeish, who replaced Dick Advocaat in December 2001, was tasked with halting Celtic’s grip on the Scottish game. McLeish was successful at Ibrox, winning two trophies in his first season and winning the domestic treble in 2002-03, including Rangers’ record-breaking 50th League Title. Despite a worsening financial situation and a poor season without trophies, Rangers regained the League Title in 2004-05. McLeish’s domestic results the following season were criticized, but he did well in the Champions League, reaching the Last 16 for the first time in Rangers history. Despite his struggles, McLeish’s success at Ibrox was largely due to the success stories of Dado Prso, Nacho Novo, and Thomas Buffel.
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6. Graeme Souness
In 1986, Rangers underwent a transformation under legendary player Graeme Souness as Rangers Player-Manager. Souness signed internationals Chris Woods and Terry Butcher, leading to a League and League Cup double in his first season. Rangers retained the League Cup in 1987-88, but lost the title to Celtic. They won two more Championships and two League Cup victories. In 1991, Souness left Rangers to take over as Liverpool manager. He transformed Rangers both on and off the field, breaking the barrier by signing Roman Catholic Maurice Johnston. Souness’s legacy at Ibrox remains intact, starting 9 In A Row and bringing legendary players to the club.
5. Willie Waddell
Willie Waddell, a former manager of Rangers, played a significant role in the club’s success, particularly in the League. Despite not winning any League Championships, Rangers won the Scottish League Cup in 1971, ending a six-year drought. Waddell’s tenure also saw the Rangers recover from the 1971 Ibrox disaster, which resulted in the loss of 66 fans. He played a crucial role in the reconstruction of Ibrox Stadium and aiding survivors. In 1972, Rangers won the European Cup Winners Cup, defeating Dynamo Moscow 3–2. Waddell’s contributions to Rangers’ success, including the Ibrox disaster, make him an iconic figure at Ibrox.
4. Jock Wallace
Jock Wallace, replacing Willie Waddell, took over Rangers in 1972 and won the Scottish Cup in his first season. He ended Celtic’s nine-year dominance in 1974-75 and won the League Title for the first time in eleven years. Wallace captured the Domestic Treble twice in 1975-76 and 1977-78 before leaving in 1978. In 1983, he returned to manage a Rangers side underperforming since Wallace left. Wallace’s second spell was frustrating as the club failed to dent the dominance of Aberdeen and Dundee United. Wallace was replaced in 1986 by Graeme Souness. Wallace’s success at Ibrox is significant, as he built on the success he started and halted Celtic’s dominance in the 1970s.
3. Scot Symon
Scot Symon, a former player and manager of Rangers, took over as manager in 1954. He spent 9 years at the club and was a natural successor to Bill Struth. Symon won 6 League Titles in his 13-year spell, including a League and Cup Double in 1962-63 and a domestic treble in 1963-64. He also took Rangers into Europe, competing in the 1957 European Cup and guiding them to two European Cup Winners Cup Finals. However, his dismissal was a shock, as he was sacked at the age of 58 after rejecting a move to make him general manager and leaving Rangers at the top of the League. Symon is remembered fondly at the club for his success and contributions to the club’s success.
2. Walter Smith
Rangers, led by Graeme Souness, have a rich history of winning the League title and Champions League. In 1991, Souness left to join Liverpool, and his assistant Walter Smith took over. The 1992-93 season was a memorable one, with a domestic treble and a run in the Champions League. Rangers secured 9 In A Row, signing players like Paul Gascoigne and Brian Laudrup. Smith left in 1998 due to poor European results, but his first spell saw 13 trophies.
In 2007, Smith returned to Rangers and continued his success, winning the 2007-08 season, including the UEFA Cup Final and 21 trophies. Rangers won three League Titles and five domestic cups, bringing their total tally to 21 trophies. Smith retired at the end of 3 In A Row, handing over the reigns to Assistant Ally McCoist. Smith’s legacy is legendary, and Rangers fans will always cherish the memories he created.
1. Bill Struth
Bill Struth, the greatest manager in Rangers history, took over as manager in 1920 after the death of William Wilton. Struth won the League title 18 times, including 14 titles in 19 years before the Second World War. He also won the club’s first League and Cup Double in 1928. Struth also won Rangers’ first Domestic Treble in 1949 after the Second World War. In total, he won 30 trophies in his 34-year spell as Rangers Manager, making him the most decorated manager in British football history. Struth retired in 1954 and is now an icon of the club, with Rangers naming the Main Stand after him in 2005 and dedicating 30 of the trophies in the trophy room.
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