Sandy Jardine, Rangers Legend, Dies: Sir Alex Ferguson Pays Tribute

Tributes Flood In For Rangers Legend Jardine

Sandy Jardine, the Rangers legend, died at the age of 65 on Thursday.

The European Cup Winners' Cup-winning full-back was among the Ibrox side's most decorated servants and won 38 international caps with Scotland. He was diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago.

Jardine represented the Ibrox outfit almost 800 times and featured in all three group games at the 1974 World Cup, as well as one in the '78 finals. He skippered the Tartan Army on nine occasions.

The Edinburgh-born defender won three league championships, five Scottish Cups and five League Cups with Rangers, but the finest moment of his career was the club's' 1972 Cup Winners' Cup final victory over Dynamo Moscow in Barcelona.

Jardine played for Scotland at two World Cups in the 1970s

Rangers boss Ally McCoist said: "There have been many great names associated with Rangers Football Club in our 142-year history and Sandy is a Rangers legend in every sense of the word.

"We are all devastated with the news he has passed away. We have lost a great man.

"I had the privilege of watching Sandy playing for Rangers when I was a young boy, I had enjoyed the pleasure of working with him closely since I returned to the club in 2007 and he was a truly remarkable human being.

"His achievements both on and off the pitch are second to none and I was honoured to regard him as a friend. He gave everything for this great club and worked tirelessly in a number of roles because he wanted to ensure the traditions, history and standards at Rangers were maintained.

"He was respected not only by Rangers fans but also the wider football community and he is a huge loss to the game. We will never see his like again in the modern era.

Scottish Soccer - Premier League - Celtic v Rangers

Sandy Jardine

"He recently told me he was proud to be a Ranger and wanted to be remembered forever as a Ranger. Well Sandy, you will go down in history as one of the greatest of all time and we will miss you terribly."

Sir Alex Ferguson, who played with Jardine at Rangers in the late 60s, also responded to his passing.

Ferguson consoles Jardine after Aberdeen win the Scottish Cup final in 1986

"From Cathy and I, this is some of the worst news we have heard. Sandy was a noble and courageous man. The respect he is held in at Rangers is immense.

"He was one of the greatest players ever to wear the jersey. To Shona and family, we express our sympathy and sadness."

Saturday's match with Stranraer should have been a day of celebration for the Light Blues faithful as the League One trophy was due to be handed over to the new third-tier champions.

However, there will be a much sombre atmosphere round Ibrox as the Rangers support celebrate the life of man most will remember simply as "Sandy".

Jardine is survived by his wife Shona, children Steven and Nicola as well as several grandchildren.

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