‘Rangers legend’ Bobby Brown dies aged 96
FORMER Rangers and Scotland footballer Bobby Brown has died aged 96.
Ibrox chairman Dave King has paid tribute to what he described as a “genuine Rangers and Scotland legend”.
Goalkeeper Brown joined Bill Struth’s side from Queen’s Park in 1946, making 296 appearances in his decade long spell at the Ibrox side.
During that time he kept 109 clean sheets, and for six years between August 10, 1946 and April 16, 1952 he never missed a single league game.
Prior to that, in January 1946, he was handed the first of his five Scotland caps, making his debut in a 2-2 draw against Belgium at Hampden Park.
Brown was the last line in a Rangers defence which became known as the Iron Curtain and also featured George Young, Jock Shaw, Ian McColl, Willie Woodburn and Sammy Cox.
He played as a part-timer throughout his Gers career, combining football with life as a schoolmaster.
In May 1956, Brown was transferred to Falkirk for £2,200 but within a year he had retired from playing and later became manager of St Johnstone, guiding them into the top division.
In February 1967 he was appointed manager of Scotland, a position he held until July 1971.
The Helensburgh local was a regular guest at Ibrox in recent years before his death, with the club confirming a minute’s silence will take place before Friday’s Scottish Cup tie with Stranraer.
Rangers Chairman Dave King said: “All of us connected with Rangers are deeply saddened to hear that Mr Brown, a genuine Rangers and Scotland legend, has passed away. Our thoughts are with Mr Brown’s family at this time.
“He was a wonderful servant of our club and we will remember him with great fondness. He was a gentleman of the game and set standards which typify what Rangers is about.”