I was so sorry when I heard the news that you'd been transferred to
God's Eleven. I only met you the once, at the Edmiston Club after the
1987 Skol Final, but it still felt like I'd 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 'n' Egg
couldn't 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 'n' Egg didn't 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 Well's 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.
I've 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 you've left me.
The Major