The Significance of Souness

Celebrating 40 years since Graeme Souness took on the challenge of restoring Rangers Football Club to the top!

In 1986 Rangers FC appointed Graeme Souness as Player Manager, in a bold and imaginative move that rocked the world of football.

In 1986 Rangers FC appointed Graeme Souness as Player Manager, in a bold and imaginative move that rocked the world of football. Prior to his tenure, Rangers FC had not won the league title since 1978. Graeme Souness won the title in his first season in charge, and it was to change just about everything at Rangers FC for the next decade.

Rangers FC had failed to win the Scottish league title since 1978 with Celtic, Aberdeen and even Dundee United being the dominant forces of the period. The Dons under Alex Ferguson and the Tannadice side, with Jim McLean at the helm, were seriously making their mark in European competition too.

With need for action, Rangers FC turned to Souness, who was playing in Italy with Sampdoria at the time, giving him a clear mandate, and substantial funds, to transform the sleeping giant. The move clearly captured the imagination of the fans and the immediate demand for season tickets was overwhelming.

40 years on, we take a deep dive into this crucial period in the history of Rangers FC and remember the dramatic events, both on the field and in the boardroom, with key input from many Rangers heroes of that era, including Terry Butcher, Ally McCoist, Ian Durrant and John Brown. We will also recall the reactions of opponents in those days with Alex McLeish, Craig Levein and so many more.

We go behind the scenes to bring you details and events that have not really been covered before in a fascinating story with a Scottish footballing icon, Souness himself, at the heart of it!

With a foreword by iconic Rangers FC Captain Richard Gough.

'I could have gone to Man Utd., but when Souness trapped up at Ibrox, there was only one destination for me!' - Ian Ferguson