Rangers FC in the 1980s: The Players' Stories

In his latest offering, veteran Rangers chronicler Alistair Aird delivers a compelling time capsule of one of the most transformative decades in Rangers Football Club's storied history. Through the voices of the players who lived it, Aird masterfully weaves together the tale of a club in transition, capturing both the struggles and the seeds of revolution that would eventually restore Rangers to Scottish football supremacy.
The 1980s represented a period of profound change at Ibrox. Following the glory days of the late 1970s, when Rangers secured the domestic treble in 1977/78, the club entered what many fans remember as the wilderness years. Aird's narrative skill shines as he allows the players themselves to guide us through this turbulent period, offering intimate perspectives that go far beyond match reports and statistics.
What makes this book particularly engaging is its structure around first-hand accounts from Rangers legends. Former players such as Richard Gough, who would go on to become one of Scottish football's most decorated players, share candid memories of their time at the club. The book benefits immensely from these personal narratives, providing readers with dressing room insights and behind-the-scenes stories that have never before been shared.
The author expertly chronicles the managerial transitions of the era, from John Greig's rebuilding efforts to Jock Wallace's attempted restoration of the club's former glory, culminating in the watershed moment when David Holmes assumed the chairmanship in late 1985. Holmes's arrival marked the beginning of a new era, and Aird's detailed account of this transition helps readers understand the foundations that would eventually lead to Rangers' dominance in the following decade.
What sets this book apart is its ability to capture both the professional and personal dimensions of life at Rangers during this period. Through interviews with players like Ally Dawson, Bobby Russell, Hugh Burns, and Derek Johnstone, Aird paints a vivid picture of what it meant to wear the blue jersey during a time when the club was fighting to reclaim its position at the summit of Scottish football.
The book has already garnered praise for being a "very enjoyable piece about an important decade of Rangers' history," and it's easy to see why. Aird's expertise in Rangers history, demonstrated through his previous works, including biographies of Ally McCoist, lends authenticity and depth to the narrative.
For Rangers supporters, this book serves as both a nostalgic journey and an educational experience, offering new insights into a crucial period in the club's history. For neutral football fans, it provides a fascinating look at how a giant of Scottish football navigated one of its most challenging decades, told through the eyes of those who were there to experience it firsthand.
Aird has created more than just a sports book; he's crafted a historical document that captures the essence of an era when Scottish football was undergoing significant changes. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, "Rangers FC in the 1980s: The Players' Stories" stands as an essential addition to any football literature collection, offering a unique window into a transformative period in Rangers' history.
The timing of this book's release, coinciding with Rangers' current efforts to reclaim their position at the top of Scottish football, makes it particularly relevant. It serves as a reminder that, despite their challenges, periods of transition often establish the foundation for future success.
This is a must-read for anyone interested in Rangers history, Scottish football, or the human stories behind the beautiful game. Aird has delivered a worthy addition to the Rangers literary canon, one that will educate and entertain in equal measure.
ROYAL MAIL Tracked: 48 
Published: February 17, 2025
Price: £16.99
Paperback: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 1836802137
ISBN-13: 978-1836802136
Dimensions: 234 x 154 (mm)