Henderson recall’s ‘class act’ at Ibrox

Willie Henderson has paid tribute to former Rangers and Scotland captain Eric Caldow, describing him as a “class act”.

Caldow, who has died aged 84, was the last link between the Bill Struth and Scot Symon eras at Rangers and team-mate Henderson insists he had no equal in the Scottish game.

He said: “He was the best left-back I played with in my career, without question. What a player and what a nice man he was, too. He was a class player and a class act. He could play either side – in fact he started at right-back – so that indicates his ability.

“I was a young boy when I came into the team in 1960 and Eric was the captain. He always tried to help me which I really appreciated. When you are the young kid coming in sometimes it’s hard to settle in but Eric made me feel welcome.

“He was not the type of captain who shouted and screamed in the dressing room. Of course, he could offer advice and encouragement bit he did it in a calm and measured way.

“He did most of his talking on the park and helped the players that way.”

Caldow had only missed two Scotland matches in six years when his leg was shattered in a challenge by Tottenham’s Bobby Smith on 6 April, 1963 when the Scots beat England 2-1.

Henderson recalled: “It was my first game at Wembley and Scotland were superb that day, but the victory was undoubtedly overshadowed by the injury to Eric. It was a terrible challenge and we could all see how bad it was.

“Breaking your leg was far more damaging back then. Medical advances have meant it’s not as serious now. Sadly, it ended Eric’s Scotland career. He came back to play for Rangers but that Wembley day affected him badly.”