John Greig

The Greatest Ever Ranger: John Greig's lifelong devotion to Rangers FC as player, captain, manager, and director.

John Greig (born 11 September 1942) is a Scottish former professional football player and manager who played as a defender. He spent his entire career with Rangers, as a player, manager and director. Greig was voted 'The Greatest Ever Ranger' in 1999 by the club's supporters, and has been elected to Rangers' Hall of Fame.

Quick Facts

Born: 11 September 1942
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
Position: Defender

Lore & Background

Greig played his youth football with United Crossroads Boys Club in Edinburgh, under the supervision of Eric Gardiner, and supported Hearts as a boy. It is unknown if Hearts showed any interest in signing him. Bob McAuley signed Greig for Rangers and despite his initial reluctance, Greig did as instructed by his father. However, after viewing a match between Rangers and Hibernian at Easter Road, where he witnessed them beating Hibs 6–1, he was convinced the move was right.

As a player, recognised for his leadership qualities, Greig made 755 official appearances for Rangers (498 in the domestic league, 72 in the Scottish Cup, a club record 121 in the League Cup and 64 in European tournaments). He scored 120 goals for the club and won three domestic trebles. Greig actually started his career with Rangers as a forward, prior to being moved back to midfield — playing initially alongside Jim Baxter — and finally to left back.

Greig was captain when Rangers won the European Cup Winners Cup in 1972 beating Dynamo Moscow 3–2 in Barcelona. Greig played for Scotland on 44 occasions, 15 as captain, between 1964 and 1975. He scored the late winner in Scotland's 1–0 victory against Italy at Hampden Park on 9 November 1965 and in 1967 achieved the distinction of captaining the Scottish side who beat England 3–2 — their first defeat as World Champions — at Wembley. Greig's playing career ended in May 1978 when he was appointed manager of Rangers, replacing Jock Wallace.

The club failed to win the league championship during Greig's time as manager, finishing no higher than the second place achieved in 1978–79. Greig resigned in October 1983, replaced by the returning Wallace. After leaving Rangers, Greig worked as a pundit for Radio Scotland and BBC television. He returned in 1990 as part of the club's public relations team.

Dick Advocaat re-involved Greig in football coaching during which time he contributed to youth development. In 2003, he joined the Rangers board of directors. Greig resigned this position in October 2011, soon after the takeover of the club by Craig Whyte. Greig later re-joined Rangers on 23 May 2015, when he was named the club's honorary life president with ambassadorial responsibilities.

Reader's Guide

Greig won the following as a player with Rangers: UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1971–72), Scottish League First Division/Premier Division (5): 1962–63, 1963–64, 1974–75, 1975–76, 1977–78; Scottish Cup (6): 1962–63, 1963–64, 1965–66, 1972–73, 1975–76, 1977–78; Scottish League Cup (4): 1963–64, 1964–65, 1975–76, 1977–78. As a manager, he won the Scottish Cup (1978–79, 1980–81) and Scottish League Cup (1978–79, 1981–82). Individual honours include SFWA Footballer of the Year (1965–66, 1975–76), Scottish Football Personality of the Year (1978–79), and induction into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame and Scottish Sports Hall of Fame (both as inaugural inductee). He was appointed MBE in 1977 and CBE in the 2023 Birthday Honours.

Did You Know?

Greig captained Scotland to a 3–2 win over England at Wembley in 1967, England's first defeat as World Champions.
He signed Rangers' greatest ever goalscorer Ally McCoist from Sunderland during his managerial tenure.