Eleven. I only met you the once, at the Edmiston Club after the 1987 Skol
Final, but it still felt like I1d lost a close family member when told of
your sudden passing.
You and me go back to 1976, Davie, when I saw you, as just a kid, destroy
our captain and living legend John Greig when you first played against
Rangers for the Bankies. Try as he might, big Ham 1n1 Egg couldn1t get close
enough to you even to kick you and we all knew even then you were something
special. It gladdened our hearts no end to discover that you were one of our
own, when you declared that you were going nowhere but Ibrox, even though
Man Utd and Aston Villa were desperate to get you.
Your first season at Ibrox was pure Roy of the Rovers stuff, with you as the
virtuoso conductor of most of the sweet music being played by the Gers at
that time.
Seasons came and went at Ibrox but your standards never dropped. For some
unknown, big Ham 1n1 Egg didn1t seem to fancy you too much, a major factor
in his eventual departure. Still, luckily for all Bears, you stuck it out
and got your eventual reward when Mr Souness treated you like the superstar
you are.
You gave us twelve great years, Davie, and we were all delighted to honour
you at a packed Brox for your testimonial against Bordeaux. Unfortunately,
you left us in 1989 for Motherwell, far too soon most of us said at the
time, but that was the Well1s gain and you led them to Scottish Cup success
in 1991. You eventually went back to Clydebank to see out your time.
The marvellous spectacle at the Copland Road gates is a magical example of
your popularity. Even Chinese Bears sent their wee letters of condolence. I
do hope that the memorial will remain at Ibrox for the foreseeable future.
All of us have special memories of you, Coop, mines are the wee flicks
against the Beggars when you sent wee Durranty in for the only goal of the
game, the amazing run against Boavista which set up Derek Ferguson for a
rare goal, the ice-cool finish from the spot against the Beggars in the 1986
Skol Final, when all hell was breaking out around you, the guided missile
against Aberdeen in the 1987 Skol Final, your display against Dundee Utd in
the 1981 Scottish Cup Final Replay. Davie, the list is endless!
Your funeral was very moving, Wattie and your good buddy Super Ally said
very poignant things, all good, about you. I must just argue with Wattie on
one wee point. He said you became a Rangers legend on the day you died.
In my book, and I suspect thousands of others, you were a legend from the
first day you pulled a blue jersey over your head.
I1ve searched long and hard for a fitting way to end this wee letter to you,
Davie, and finally found my answer in the good book:-
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make his face to shine upon you
And be gracious unto you.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you
And give you peace.
God bless you, Davie, and thanks once again for the treasure trove of
memories you1ve left me.
THE MAJOR