Rangers to rename stand in memory of Jardine
Photo by Jeff Holmes
Rangers will honour former captain Sandy Jardine by renaming a stand at Ibrox after him, the club has announced.
The full back, part of the Rangers team which won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1972, passed away three months ago after losing his 18-month battle with cancer.
The Glasgow giants now say the Govan Stand at Ibrox will be known as the Sandy Jardine Stand.
The former Scotland defender also worked for the club's commercial department and was based in the offices at the Govan Stand for many years after returning to the club once he had hung up his boots.
Rangers chiefs say the dedication will be in place in time for the opening Scottish Championship fixture of the season against Hearts - another of Jardine's former sides - at Ibrox on Sunday, August 10.
His family will also be guests of the club on the day.
Jardine's widow Shona said: My husband considered it a great honour and privilege to represent Rangers Football Club and I know he was extremely proud to receive this lasting tribute from the Club he loved.''
Rangers Chief Executive Graham Wallace added: Sandy Jardine epitomised everything that is good about Rangers Football Club.
He was a man of principle and class and his contribution throughout his career both on and off the pitch was truly incredible.
His achievements are unlikely to be seen again in the modern game and this is a truly fitting way to honour Sandy's memory.
The re-naming of the Govan Stand will be a permanent tribute to a man who gave everything for Rangers.
He was a credit to Rangers for decades and his dignity, class and love for the Club shone through.
We have lost a true gentleman but he will never be forgotten and everyone at the Club is immensely proud to re-name the stand in his honour.''
Rangers boss Ally McCoist also said: There have been many great names associated with Rangers Football Club but I can think of no-one more deserving of this tribute than Sandy Jardine.
A Rangers legend in every sense of the word, he will always be in our hearts and I am delighted he will be remembered forever with this permanent tribute at Ibrox Stadium.
Sandy's achievements both on and off the pitch were second to none. He gave everything for this great club and we are all looking forward to paying tribute to him at the Hearts game next month.''
Jardine was twice named Player of the Year in Scotland and helped Rangers win two domestic trebles - first in 1976 and then again two years later.
He also featured in two World Cups, winning 38 caps for Scotland and made almost 800 appearances for Rangers scoring 77 goals in the process.