Legendary Rangers and Scotland goalkeeper Andy Goram dies after short battle with cancer
"The Goalie" spent seven years at Rangers and was capped 43 times by Scotland during his career
Last updated 3rd Jul 2022
Former Rangers and Scotland goalkeeper Andy Goram has died at the age of 58 after short battle with oesophageal cancer.
"The Goalie" spent seven years at Rangers and won 10 trophies, earning him legendary status.
Goram was capped 43 times by Scotland and went to four major tournaments, including two World Cups.
After his time at the Gers he played for several clubs including Motherwell and Manchester United, whilst also representing his country at cricket.
Beginnings
Goram was born in Bury, England and began his career with the West Bromwich Albion youth academy.
He made his first professional appearance for Oldham Athletic and spent six years there, before moving to Hibernian in 1987.
He spent four years at Easter Road, captaining the team often, and his performances earned him a £1million move to Rangers in 1991.
Goram became a crucial part of the nine-in-a-row team under manager Walter Smith and was given the nickname 'The Goalie'.
He was at Ibrox for six league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups.
In 1993 he was voted both the SFWA and SPFA Player of the Year as the Govan side claimed a domestic treble.
During this time he was a key player for Scotland, making 43 appearances between 1985 and 1998.
He went to four major tournaments and starred at both Euro 92 and Euro 96, despite early exits for the Scots.
He was voted Rangers best ever goalkeeper in a 2001 poll of the clubs fans.
In 1998 he had brief spells at Notts County and Sheffield United before returning to Scotland with Motherwell.
He played over 50 games for the club across three years and helped the Steelmen to fourth place in 2000.
He played for several clubs in the new millennium, including a short spell helping Manchester United win the Premier League, before retiring in 2004.
Goram was also a league cricketer, playing as a wicket-keeper and a batsman and appeared for his country four times.
'A one off'
Former Scotland teammate and ex-Rangers manager Alex McLeish said:
"It's devastating. He was an amazing goalkeeper and I'm just proud to have known him and played with him.
"I've worked with great goalkeepers but Andy was a one off. He's a national treasure.
"I think for me he is Rangers greatest goalkeeper.
"Just thank goodness he became a footballer and not a cricketer!"
Goram was rushed to hospital last month and was told he only had around four-to-six weeks to live.
He refused chemotherapy after doctors said it would extend his life expectancy by just 12 weeks and was moved to St Andrews Hospice, where friends, family and former teammates have been frequently visiting his bedside.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted to say he was one of Scotland's all time football greats: