BOBBY BROWN TRIBUTE
McCalliog hails Brown for ’67 glory day
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JIM McCALLIOG lived every Scottish footballer’s dream when he scored the clinching goal against world champions England on his international debut at Wembley.
For that the former Sheffield Wednesday, Wolves and Manchester United hero will always be grateful to Bobby Brown.
McCalliog netted the decisive goal for the side that became the Wembley Wizards in 1967 after being handed his chance by Brown to live the dream in the home of the Auld Enemy.
Now 73, McCalliog was devastated to learn of the death of his former manager this week.
Brown, a Rangers Hall of Famer after his own glittering playing career as a goalkeeper for Gers, Queen’s Park, Falkirk and St Johnstone, passed away aged 96.
McCalliog told Record Sport: “I was shocked when I heard the news. I last saw him at his birthday party at Hampden a couple of years ago. Tommy Docherty, Craig Brown and Alex McLeish were there.
“To me he was a very warm person who always had a smile. I’m absolutely shocked to hear the news.
“My dream had always been to play for Scotland and against England. Bobby made that come true in the most amazing way.
“What he did in 1967 was incredible. He picked a team he thought could beat England, the world champions, on their own pitch.
“He was the type of guy who studied things but he didn’t overcomplicate things by giving us instructions as a group. He would talk to each individual quietly and tell you to go out and enjoy yourself.
“He relaxed the players and he always preached to us that we are in there because he thought we were the best in that position.
“I didn’t get nervous. I played a lot of big games and was quite cool about things. We played very well on the day – they were 19 games unbeaten – so it was absolutely tremendous.
“I remember how thrilled he was at full-time. He had thrown me in for my debut as a 20-year-old and took a chance on me.
“Deep down I’m sure he felt vindicated because I was the young guy on the block but there was lots of competition for places - Ian St John, Stevie Chalmers, Alex Young to name a few.
“But he bet on me and put me in the team. I think the way we played that day he got it spot on. You talk about the modern day and attacking full-backs. Well nobody attacked more than our full-backs that day, Tommy Gemmell and Eddie McCreadie.
“We had Simpson, Greig, Baxter, Law, Lennox – what a team to come into! The bookies were giving good odds on us that day but I had a feeling we’d be okay.”
Brown, recalling that famous afternoon, later described McCalliog as the “crux” of his side.
McCalliog said: “I read that he had described me as the crux of his team. I was thrilled to read that. I was a roaming player who liked to be involved, get touches, make space and support the strikers.
“So to see him describe me like that is a real proud moment.”
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard has urged his
Rangers side to go on and land the title so they can dedicate it to Brown.
“Of course we would like that,” Gerrard said. “And obviously Fernando Ricksen as well this season and the ex-players and ex-legends who have contributed to this club who have gone before.
“We send our condolences to Bobby’s family. Of course, if the season turns out how we’d all like, it would be nice to pay tribute to them come that day.
“I never got the chance to meet him, unfortunately. But I’ve been speaking to a few of the older guys around the building and they all spoke very fondly of him. “He had a very creditable career in terms of appearances and everything he achieved in the game. It’s a sad moment for the Rangers family. “We look forward to paying our respects on Friday night. It’s always sad when a legend passes away.”
I read he had described me as the crux of his team. That’s a proud moment JIM McCALLIOG