Sandy Jardine's Funeral Attended By Sir Alex Ferguson (PICTURES)

Ferguson Attends Rangers Great Jardine's Funeral (PICTURES)

Rangers hero Sandy Jardine was remembered as a "true legend" of Scottish football at his funeral on Friday, which was attended by 1,000 mourners.

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Rangers boss Ally McCoist were among those who attended a packed service in Edinburgh.

Former colleague and friend John Greig was a coffin-bearer at Mortonhall Crematorium as tributes were paid to the 65-year-old who lost his battle against cancer last Thursday.

Ferguson stands alongside his former United assistant, and Rangers manager, Walter Smith

He made almost 800 appearances in his Ibrox career, helping the side secure three league championships, five Scottish Cups and five League Cups.

Hailed for his role in Rangers' 1972 Cup Winners' Cup victory over Dynamo Moscow, his association with the club continued well beyond his playing days and he spearheaded fundraising efforts to save the club when it went into administration in 2012.

Jardine, who was christened William but was known to many as Sandy due to his hair colour, also enjoyed a successful spell as co-manager of his home team Hearts.

Tributes were led by lifelong friend David Ross, who told mourners that Jardine's greatest loves were football, friends and family.

He said: "To all football fans, Billy will be remembered as one of the greatest ambassadors of the game. He was a wonderful player who played to win but played fairly and bore no grudges once the final whistle was blown.

Sandy Jardine funeral

Sandy Jardine funeral

"To the legions of Rangers fans, he will quite rightly be remembered not only for his football but also as someone who served the club with great distinction and loyalty, particularly through the recent financial crisis."

The son of a bus driver, Jardine and his twin brother grew up near Tynecastle and he signed for Rangers in 1964.

The funeral heard that his first bonus was paid in cash, which he spent on a fur coat for his mother Peggy.

Jardine's death followed an 18-month battle with cancer which began when he complained of a lump in his neck while out for dinner in November 2012.

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