GOODBYE TO THE GOALIE
Football mourns tragic passing of Rangers and Scotland great Goram
TRIBUTES were last night being paid to Andy Goram, the former Rangers and Scotland goalkeeper, who has died at the age of 58 after a short illness.
Commonly known as ‘The Goalie’, Goram forged his reputation during his spell as Rangers’ No1 in the club’s nine-in-a-row era.
Capped 43 times by Scotland, he represented his country at the Euro 92 and Euro 96 tournaments, but also holds the distinction of representing his country at cricket.
Recently diagnosed with cancer, his passing was confirmed in a statement issued by Rangers: ‘Rangers Football Club are today deeply saddened to announce the death of our legendary goalkeeper Andy Goram following a short battle with cancer.
‘The thoughts of the directors, management, players and staff are today with Andy’s family.’
Born in Bury, Goram followed the example of his Scottish father Lewis by taking up goalkeeping and started his professional career with Oldham Athletic.
He moved to Hibs for £325,000 in 1987 and spent three seasons at the Edinburgh club, making 163 appearances.
He moved to Rangers for £1million in 1991 and helped establish the Ibrox club’s domestic dominance under Walter Smith.
Goram departed Ibrox alongside Smith and a clutch of team-mates in 1998, rejuvenating his career at Motherwell and earning a brief move to Manchester
United where he played under Sir Alex Ferguson, the man who had given him his international debut in 1985. He wound up his career at Elgin, eventually retiring at the age of 40.
A statement from the Scottish FA said: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of legendary Scotland goalkeeper, Andy Goram.
‘The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with Andy’s family and friends at this time.’