Rangers legend passes away at the age of 87

He made headlines around the world as the Rangers penalty king who rewrote the record books, but Johnny Hubbard MBE was so much more.

Johnny, who died peacefully at Dundonald House last week aged 87, touched the lives of countless people, particularly here in Ayrshire, where he was a legend among those who knew him.

He was a Pied Piper for youngsters and his Christmas five- a- sides, which he organised at the former Dam Park Hall, were the biggest in Britain.

Thousands took part in his football coaching classes where many friendships were forged which are still strong to this day.

Take a walk down Ayr High Street or Prestwick Main Street and you won’t be long in finding someone who knew the affable South African.

Until his years finally got the better of him, Johnny liked nothing better than to natter about old times.

He was often to be found in the Wee Windaes, holding court with his good friend Jim McSherry.

Fittingly, Johnny wrote a book, appropriately named ‘ The Penalty King’, which charted his glorious career.

He held signing sessions in Waterstones and became a familiar face at the front door as he lured shoppers off the street to buy his fascinating tales. No one liked to say no to Johnny.

Remarkably, Johnny was still attending Rangers home games until shortly before his death and would travel by bus from his home at Prestwick Toll into Glasgow before getting another out to Ibrox.

Johnny, who was born in Pretoria, arrived in Scotland in 1949 as a pencil- thin teenager to sign for legendary Rangers boss Bill Struth – despite being offered a bigger signing- on fee by Clyde.

He won a host of honours in a trophyladen 10- year stint at the club where he enjoyed hero status and famously scored a hat- trick in an Old Firm match in January 1955. Johnny liked nothing better than to reminisce in graphic detail about how each goal was scored.

The treble against Celtic in a 4- 1 victory remains the last league derby hat- trick by a Rangers player.

Hubby was the first African player to compete in the European Cup, for Rangers against Nice in 1956, and became the first Ibrox player to score on foreign soil.

Dead- eye Johnny was lethal from the penalty spot, scoring 65 out of 68 kicks, and he didn’t even practise them! His haul included one for the Scottish League and one for South Africa.

He was quick to point out that he never missed a kick – the three that got away were all saved.

After a remarkable 106 goals from 238 appearances, he left Rangers in 1959 and joined Bury for £ 6000.

After three years, he returned north to sign for Ayr United where he finished his playing days for the then- struggling club.

Johnny loved to recall the day in 1964 when Ayr travelled by train to high- flying Aberdeen and beat them 2- 1 in a Scottish Cup upset.

To all who would listen, Johnny would happily relate how he won the hat off manager Bobby Flavell’s head after being promised it if Ayr won. So cash- strapped were United that the players walked to Pittodrie from the railway station.

Johnny later revealed: “Five of us nipped into a bookies and backed a horse which won so we all had to wait to get paid out.

“We ended up jogging all the way to the ground and were sweating when we got there. The manager was far from happy but against all the odds, we won, Flavell gave me his hat and also gave us permission to go to the bookies before the game in the next round. We didn’t and we lost 7- 0 to Dunfermline.”

After two years with Ayr, Johnny hung up his boots but not his enthusiasm for sport.

He became a PE teacher and sports officer with the local authority.

He made his mark at Prestwick Cricket Club where he became an honorary vice president and life member. A big- hitting batsman and accomplished bowler, he skippered the team to their first Glasgow and District League title, which was the springboard for continued success.

Johnny was inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame and in 2007. He is survived by wife Ella, daughter Linda and sons Raymond and John.

His funeral will be held at Masonhill Crematorium on Tuesday, July 3 at 3.30pm.