Tributes to Hubbard, a Rangers hat-trick hero v Celtic

Former Rangers winger Johnny Hubbard has died at the age of 87, the club have announced.

The South African played for the Ibrox side for over a decade in the post-war period.

After leaving his home in Pretoria to sign for Bill Struth in 1949, he went on to lift three league titles and the 1953 Scottish Cup during his Rangers career. He was dubbed the “Penalty King” on account of his lethal conversion rate from 12 yards, tucking home 65 out of 68 spot-kicks, including a run of 22 successful penalties. In total he made 238 appearances for Rangers, scoring 106 goals, and he remains the only foreign-born Rangers player to net an Old Firm hat-trick following his 1955 treble against Celtic.

He was a regular visitor to Ibrox after his playing days and Rangers chairman Dave King admitted Hubbard will be sorely missed.

He said in a statement: “Everyone at Rangers sends their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Johnny Hubbard after the former 0 Johnny Hubbard: ‘Penalty King’ who scored 65 out of 68. Light Blues winger passed away peacefully today at the age of 87. All of us at Rangers are deeply saddened by the news. He was an inspirational player for Rangers and was also one of our most passionate supporters.

“Mr Hubbard wasn’t just a great Ranger, he was also a wonderful person. He was a gentleman and will be missed terribly by everyone connected with our club. Our thoughts and our sympathies go to Mr Hubbard’s family but perhaps they may take some comfort in knowing he is a genuine Rangers legend.”

He left Rangers in 1959 and spent three years at Bury before finishing his career with Ayr United.