The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
South African winger Johnny Hubbard, Rangers legend and ‘Penalty King’, 87
Rangers legend Johnny Hubbard has died at the age of 87.
The South African winger scored 104 goals for Rangers between 1949 and 1959 and was nicknamed the “Penalty King”.
Hubbard made 238 appearance for the club and earned his nickname after scoring 65 out of 68 penalties.
His three goals against Celtic in a 4-1 victory in 1955 remains the last league derby hat-trick by a Rangers player.
Hubbard became the first African player to play in the European Cup in the 1956-57 season, scoring against Nice.
Rangers chairman Dave King paid tribute to Hubbard, describing him as an “inspirational player” and a “passionate supporter”.
“Mr Hubbard wasn’t just a great Ranger, he was also a wonderful person,” King said.
“Our thoughts and sympathies go to Mr Hubbard’s family, but perhaps they may take some comfort in knowing he is a genuine Rangers legend.”
He was also a member of the first Rangers team to play in Europe during the second European Champions Cup.
He left Rangers in 1959 and spent three years at Bury before finishing his career with Ayr United.
Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson said Hubbard became a “welcome fixture” at Ibrox after his playing career ended.