Greig appeals to supporters to do the club proud
JOHN GREIG has called on supporters to do Rangers proud off the park as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side bid for Europa League glory in Seville.
The Greatest Ever Ranger has made the trip to Spain 50 years on from his most famous night in the game as he captained his side to European Cup-Winners’ Cup glory in Barcelona.
Van Bronckhorst and his players now have the chance to follow in the footsteps of those Ibrox legends by overcoming Eintracht Frankfurt and bringing the silverware back to Glasgow.
Victory in the final would be a remarkable way to end a historic and emotional campaign for Rangers and Greig knows the travelling fans have their own part to play on a memorable occasion.
Greig said: “I wanted to write to each and every one of you on the verge of one of the biggest matches in the club’s history.
“To see Rangers in a European final is something many of us thought would not be possible again, and I’ve been so taken by the incredible lengths you are going to in order to reach Seville to back the team out there.
“We have found ourselves on an incredible journey from Armenia to Andalucia in this tournament, and the coaching staff and every player who has played a part on that journey deserves enormous credit.
“Fifty years on from Barcelona, it is a great thrill for me to have been invited to join the team as once again we head to Spain trying to make yet more history. Of course, a great regret of mine was not being able to defend our trophy the following season in Europe.
“It is vital that we all act responsibly and remember the values that this institution stands for.
“Our 150th anniversary season has been a trying one, with the loss of Walter Smith earlier in the season, and then of Jimmy Bell a fortnight ago. Both will be forever remembered for their enormous contribution to the fabric and traditions of this club.”
Rangers could be backed by a crowd of up to 18,000 inside the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan as they bid for a third win of the season over Bundesliga opposition and a place in the history books.
Around 100,000 supporters have made the journey to Spain to back Van Bronckhorst’s side and Rangers have worked with local government and police officials to ensure the trip is a safe one.
The likes of Graeme Souness, Richard Gough and Ian Durrant have all made personal pleas to the fans and Greig, writing in an open letter to fans yesterday, said: “I look forward to seeing you out in Seville, and to seeing the absolute best of our club on display.
“There is no other club in Europe who would travel in such numbers for a match like this, and every single Rangers supporter should remember they are an ambassador for our institution.
“This is a time to be enjoyed by each and every one of us, but it is also a time to look out for one another, and to protect the good name of Rangers.”