Today I was privileged to spend three of the quickest hours of my life in the company of a Ranger I have always wanted to meet.
Mr Bobby Brown
Rangers and Scotland Player
Scotland Manager
I had made contact with Mr Brown 2 weeks ago, having been supplied after a query on this board.
Intial contact was duly made and I asked if he could spare 15mins or so to sign a couple of pieces of memorabilia for Erskine, he was happy to oblige and I was invited to his house.
I sat awestruck today listening to tales as he recounted tales of Tiger Shaw and Torry Gillick, of Big Corky and Matt Busby; of how good the Hibbees famous 5 were; of the Rangers Iron Curtain defence and the great Willie Woodburn and Sammy Cox.
Of how he had knocked back Man United for The Rangers.
I listened as he told me how Scotland humbled the World Champions in '67.
Of Baxter's Wembley masterclass. And tales of how he befriended fellow Helensburgh resident Stefan Klos when Stefan was dislodged by Waterreus and how he tried to keep his spirits high.
Of how it was a travesty that Campbell Ogilvie had been shown the door at Ibrox and how he felt that Campbell could still return to Ibrox as he was a real Rangers man.
Of his friendship with the two Willies - Thornton and Waddell.
He told me of his delight at signing Doddie for St. Johnstone and how he had watched with great pride as Doddie became a Gers Legend.
"Is it Kirkintilloch you said you come from Russell?
"No Sir, but near by."
"Big Corky came from Rob Roy you know!"
He was also disappointed at the current state of play at the Club because the Rangers were The Rangers and no one should be looking to use the Club as a stepping stone: to play for The Rangers was the ultimate accolade.
Tales of Rangers and Arsenal and his warmth for the Gooners - of how the Rangers had played at the switching on of the Highbury floodlights - "We got beat 3-2 that night but Torry scored two."
I was then given a guided tour of his office and a blow-by-blow account of photos caps and trophies that were featured around the house.
He took a great interest in what the fans had done for Erskine and was very impressed with what we had achieved and by very player I mentioned when telling him about those who had lent a hand. This led to more tales of 'do or die' for the red white and blue.
Of Greigy and Big Harry (his fishing pal), of Johnny and Billy and their amazing friendship, of Dave Smith - "what a passer of a ball."
Mr Brown signed some items for me and then said:
“Hold on Son I’ve something for you - they are a bit old but you may be able to raise a few more pounds for your charity.”
He disappeared for a few moments and returned with a pair of Goalie Gloves
- His Gloves -"There ye go son, they’re a bit old but I’m sure they'll be of some use to you."
I was gobsmacked: "are they yours Mr Brown?"
"Yes son they must be from around 1950 or so."
"Do you know what game you wore them in?"
"Many games, it’s not like today when you get a new set every match, you raise as much as you can with them - I'd give you a top too but they are all promised to my Family."
He then signed the gloves and wished me well.
"Keep in touch son, you're doing a grand job."
We bid fraternal farewells and parted on the Square.
I'm still awestruck.
