Rangers fans pay tribute to Ulster heritage

Published Date: 22 September 2008
THOUSANDS of flag-waving fans have paid tribute to Glasgow Rangers' Ulster players on the Ibrox terraces.
Yesterday's Scottish Premier League match with Motherwell was all-important, but supporters also turned out in their droves to honour former players from Northern Ireland who have represented the 'Teddy Bears' with distinction.

A carnival-type atmosphere ensued in the sunshine as many spectators waved Ulster flags with pride and showcased numerous banners highlighting esteemed names from Northern Ireland who have helped reinforce the special relationship between the Province and the Scottish club over the years.

As well as players' names, many hand-made banners also had the names of villages, towns and counties prominently inscribed.

The especially themed Ulster Day was organised solely by the fans themselves as approximately 50,000 revelled in the occasion at the famous old stadium.

Many of those die-hard supporters would have made the trip across the Irish Sea, given the club's huge local fan base.

It was fitting then that Ballymena-born midfielder Steven Davis, who has established himself as a firm favourite with the Ibrox faithful, should score the first goal in the 2-1 victory.

It would have been a special day for Davis in any case and Kyle Lafferty, both current Northern Ireland internationals on the playing staff at Ibrox, who in the modern era symbolise and continue the historic association between this part of the world and the current league leaders.

Other Ulster-born players to have represented the club in its esteemed past include Jimmy Nicholl, John McClelland, Billy Simpson, Bob Hamilton, Billy McCandless, Albert Lynas and Sam English.

Aghadowey-born English is a Rangers legend, having scored a record 44 goals in the 1931 to 1932 season. The Co Londonderry man is held in such high regard, a silver bowl commissioned in his memory is presented to the club's top goalscorer at the climax of every campaign.

This year marked the centenary of the talisman's birth, giving the day extra significance.

Ulster Unionist MLA David Burnside, an avid Rangers supporter, commended the fans on leading such an initiative.

"It was nice to have all the Ulster identity at the game," he said.

"The historic links are massive. Thousands go across every week on a regular basis on the boats and planes.

"Rangers welcome the support – they get capacity crowds at almost all the home games and the club's board appreciate very much the support they get from Northern Ireland," Mr Burnside said.