The Wee Blue Book ââ?¬â?? Seasons 1938 to 1947

[CammyF 6,870]

I�m certain that most of us over a certain age will fondly remember this annual publication. In fact, I can remember keenly awaiting its release every season (along with the wee red book). Thanks to a work colleague, I have been given (a loan) of several Wee Blue Books dating back to 1936-1937 season and some of their content is amazing (some of which I�ll detail below). Whilst times have changed since the 30�s and 40�s the content of these books show just why Rangers Football Club were a cut above any ordinary football club and the great traditions were continually being built upon. The Managers Reports make fantastic reading and the spirit of Mr Struth should never be forgotten, nor underestimated.

 

The layout of The Wee Blue Books hardly changed over the years and were all (I believe) printed by Hay Nisbet & Co (printers ââ?¬â?? Glasgow) and all (until the late 60ââ?¬â?¢s) had advertisements for Bovril printed on the rear cover. They always started with a list of club directors, manager, etc then came ââ?¬Ë?The Managers Reportââ?¬â?¢. This was followed by a list of the previous seasonââ?¬â?¢s fixtures / results (which my colleagues relative has painstakingly entered all our results, by his own had) and our achievements (trophy wise). Then you would get a review on the ââ?¬Ë?Second XIââ?¬â?¢ followed by (my favourite part of these older books), Items Of Interestââ?¬â?¢ (including a list of the previous seasons ââ?¬Ë?cappedââ?¬â?¢ players). A list of goal-scorers followed by international dates proceeded a list of ââ?¬Ë?Rangers Scottish Cup Medallistsââ?¬â?¢ through our history. A list of registered players and the seasonââ?¬â?¢s fixtures were followed by a breakdown of all our trophy triumphs ââ?¬â?? year by year. A table of the previous seasons league placings, a comprehensive list of all league games in Scotland, a comprehensive list of all capped Rangers player and our historical league record gave way to a final ââ?¬Ë?item of interestââ?¬â?¢ which in season 1936-1937 was an article on Ibrox Park which gives some very interesting insights to the clubs plans to redevelop Ibrox - .

 

ââ?¬Ë?From the year 1902 a steady transformation has taken place. Firstly came the removal of the timber terracing and the replacement by solid earth properly stepped. This was followed by converting The North Stand into a covered enclosure. The Old pavilion in the south-east corner ââ?¬â?? once the finest in existence ââ?¬â?? was demolished after having served its day and generation, to be replaced by the executive block, which was afterwards embodied in the New Grand Stand which was erected on the south side of the ground in 1929.

 

During the past season, on the invitation of the Scottish FA, the club explored that possibilities of being able to provide adequate accommodation to house the Scotland v England International match, and as a result of long and careful deliberations they were able to lay plans before the association showing accommodation for almost 200,000 spectators. Of that number 17,000 could have been seated and a further 30,000 under cover. Alterations on the ground to put those plans into operation would have been made by erecting a new stand on the site of the present covered enclosure ââ?¬â?? a ââ?¬Ë?double deckerââ?¬â?¢ stand with standing accommodation under the seats ââ?¬â?? and an extended terracing on the east and west ends of the grounds. The Rangers club were prepared to proceed with these alterations and considered that nothing less would be satisfactory if one kept in view the increasing popularity of the game and had implicit faith ââ?¬â?? as we have ââ?¬â?? in its future. All that was asked from the association was a measure of financial guarantee. The Scottish FA decided that our plans were too ambitious and went beyond their ideas, and in the end, said to be due to opinions expressed by outside authorities, they decided to proceed with a minor scheme at Hampden Park. But our labours during the season ââ?¬â?? and they were long and arduous ââ?¬â?? will not be altogether in vain. Before very many years have passed, Greater Ibrox may come into being and our own supporters may gain benefit of what was planned for an International crowd. What our capacity is today no one can tell. We await a test and are prepared to abide by the resultsââ?¬â?¢.

 

Some interesting facts gained from this edition : J Dawson & D Gray played in every League & Scottish Cup game of the previous season ââ?¬â?? GOOD GOING! In the previous 10 seasons, Rangers had never failed to win one or more of the major honours and in season 1929-30 had won everything possible.

 

The closing page of the 1936-37 Wee Blue Book focuses on Athletic records made at Ibrox and states that several of A Shrubbs times were not only records for Ibrox, but indeed, World Records.

 

Mr Struthââ?¬â?¢s report mentions the our ââ?¬Ë?Home & Awayââ?¬â?¢ friendlies against the English Cup Holders (Sheffield Wednesday) and League Champions (Arsenal) both of which Rangers emerged triumphant and that ââ?¬Ë?it is pleasing to record that in these encounters the reputation of the Rangers Club and of Scottish football were maintainedââ?¬â?¢. Mr Struth was also full of praise for the champions of Scotland ââ?¬â?? ââ?¬Ë?We heartily join in the congratulations which have been extended to the Celtic club in again becoming league champions after a lapse of ten years. Their record during the season proved their right to the title. During the past few years, honours have not been so plentiful at Parkhead as in former years and no club welcomes the reincarnation of the Celtic more than we doââ?¬â?¢. Mr Struth finishes his report with these wise words ââ?¬Ë?Even in the knowledge that we have a high tradition to maintain, we shall welcome the challenges of the new season with every confidenceââ?¬â?¢.

 

The managers report of the following season gives further insight into the expectation, traditions, standards and expectations expected by Rangers Football Club and Mr Struth ââ?¬â?? While we may look back on season 1936-37 with a measure of satisfaction in that the team was successful in winning two of the major competitions, viz, the Scottish League Championship and the Glasgow Cup, it would idle to suggest that Rangers followers were satisfied with the play of the team over the season. Indeed, despite those successes, one might search the memory for a good few years back and yet fail to find a season wherein so many matches were played by a Rangers team in such ââ?¬Ë?un-Rangerââ?¬â?¢ like fashion. Somehow or other there were many occasions upon which that machine known as ââ?¬Ë?Rangers Footballââ?¬â?¢ simply could not get going and our followers could have been pardoned if at times they felt over anxious at these displaysââ?¬Â¦Ã¢â?¬Â¦Ã¢â?¬â?¢ ââ?¬Ë?ââ?¬Â¦Ã¢â?¬Â¦ In our success we sympathise with the Aberdeen club in their unavailing fight for first class honours. For the major part of the season they led the league race, and at one period had what might have been considered an unassailable lead, but the strain of the league fight and their efforts in the Scottish Cup proved too great and the end of the season found them with neither flag nor cupââ?¬Â¦..ââ?¬â?¢

 

Further evidence from the managers report from season 1937-38 ââ?¬â?? ââ?¬Ë?It is always an easy task to review a past season which has been full of glory and honour; it is not so simple when one feels that, notwithstanding a certain measure of success, the attainments of the team have hardly been in keeping with what we have become accustomed to. There can be no doubt that such a felling does exist. The Rangers club have set themselves a very high standard by the achievements in post war years, and their position is naturally judged from that standpoint. Thus it is that many clubs would have been perfectly happy to have won The Glasgow Cup, finished 3rd in the league championship, reached the semi-final of the Scottish Cup and contested the final of the Glasgow Charity Cup, but from The Rangers, something more is expected, and it is the lack of that something that is causing some disquiet amongst the Rangers followers.ââ?¬â?¢

The tone of Mr Struthââ?¬â?¢s Managerââ?¬â?¢s reports changed from season 1939-40 onwards with the outbreak of World War II ââ?¬â?? Mr Struth starts ââ?¬Ë?Season 1939-40 will go down in history as one of the craziest ever experienced in the sport. When war broke out all entertainments and outdoor gatherings were prohibited in anticipation of aerial activity of the enemy, and when that did not materialise sport was permitted under conditions which made it next door to impossible to carry on without incurring substantial losses. ââ?¬Ë?Playââ?¬â?¢ was our slogan and we carried it through the best we could. We felt that in taking that course we were making some contribution to the national effort. What the future holds no one can foretell. Military service will make great inroads on our playing staff. The majority of our players were lads between 18 and 25, and, like others, they will answer their countries call. We can only hope that their absence will be short, and meanwhile let us carry on with the policy adopted at the outbreak of warââ?¬â?¢.

[CammyF 6,870]

CONTINUED

 

 

The following seasons reports go on to mention not only the continuation of War, but to detail Rangers activities in aid of the war efforts with games against The Royal Air Force which raised �£1,700 and saw Rangers presented with a solid silver trophy by HM Minister For Air, Hon. Sir Archibald Sinclair. Another unique occasion saw The Army in Scotland face The Army in England at Ibrox in which a further �£1,200 was raised for the Army Sports Fund. In many other matches for war charities and army funds Rangers were glad to release their players. This is a common theme retold in every managers report during the War years along with constant praise not only for those with Rangers connections, but all allies fighting the enemy both at home and abroad.

 

 

Even back in these by-gone days, the debate on our formation was raging. The Wee Blue Book for season 1937-38 finishes with an article on our history. It is claimed in this book that we were founded in 1873 and listed as a limited company on May 27th 1899. The article also mentions that the current Ibrox Park is / was the clubs 5th ground (Glasgow Green, Burnbank, Kinning Park and Old Ibrox). At this time, the Rangers directorate was unique given that the entire board graduated through the playing ranks for the club. There was no other club in the country with such a record of service.

 

Wee Blue Book 1937-38 ââ?¬â?? In the last sixteen seasons Rangers have been Scottish League champions fourteen times. It sounds like a monopoly. In the last nine seasons Rangers have won six Scottish Cups. Rangers were never been beaten on foreign soil until the year 1933, when they lost at Munich to a select German team. Sandy Archibald and David Meiklejohn have each won thirteen Scottish League championship medals with Rangers ââ?¬â?? which is a record for the club.

 

Wee Blue Book 1938-39 ââ?¬â?? The Empire Exhibition ââ?¬â?? Reference was made in last years issue to the fact that the Rangers ground would be the official headquarters for all sporting events associated with the Empire Exhibition at Bellahouston. The first use of the ground ââ?¬â?? which by the way is now officially named Ibrox Stadium ââ?¬â?? was the opening ceremony on 3rd May 1938, by Their Majesties, The King and Queen. This was the second occasion on which the clubs ground was honoured by a visit from the reigning sovereign, and it is pleasing to record that our Chairman and Mrs. Bowie were also honoured by being presented to Their Majesties. From June 18th to June 25th a military services display was given twice daily, and after a most disappointing commencement proved one of the most spectacular forms of entertainment ever offered in Scotland. Various other Exhibitions features were held on our ground, and in addition to the King and Queen, several other members of the Royal Family, notably HRH The Princess Royal and the Duke & Duchess of Gloucester graced our premises during the close season. Altogether it has been one of the most enjoyable close seasons ever experienced by the club, one which has spread the name of Rangers and which has brought great distinction to Ibrox Stadium.

 

 

Wee Blue Book 1946-47 ââ?¬â?? as well as the Managers report being one of dedication to those who fought and died during the War, a sense of relief that the War was over and a sense that everyone, including Rangers FC were trying to ââ?¬Ë?get back to normalityââ?¬â?¢ (if such a thing was possible back then), there was a section detailing The Dynamoââ?¬â?¢s record 1946 tour results :

 

Nov 13th ââ?¬â?? Chelsea 3 v 3 Dynamos

Nov 17th ââ?¬â?? Cardiff City 1 v 10 Dynamos

Nov 21st ââ?¬â?? Arsenal 3 v 4 Dynamos

Nov 28th ââ?¬â?? Rangers 2 v 2 Dynamos

 

As well as the results of the annual friendlies with Arsenal :

 

1933-34 ââ?¬â?? Ibrox ââ?¬â?? Rangers 2 v 0 Arsenal

1933-34 ââ?¬â?? Highbury ââ?¬â?? Arsenal 1 v 3 Rangers

1934-35 ââ?¬â?? Highbury ââ?¬â?? Arsenal 1 v 1 Rangers

1935-36 ââ?¬â?? Ibrox ââ?¬â?? Rangers 2 v 2 Arsenal

1936-37 ââ?¬â?? Highbury ââ?¬â?? Rangers 1 v 2 Arsenal

1938-39 ââ?¬â?? Ibrox ââ?¬â?? Rangers 1 v 0 Arsenal.

 

 

Figures can be prosaic things, but not when they tell such a story ââ?¬â?? Wee Blue Book History & Jots Season 1939-40.

 

There are countless other extracts from not only Mr Struth�s Managers Reports that install, reinforce and give insight into the true legends that have historically been in charge of our club. Along with some wonderful articles, interesting facts and throw away comments and I hope to, and will endeavour to, continue to read through the Wee Blue Books I have been loaned and gather the highlights over the next few days / weaks. Oh and if you required the Rangers Tie, these were available to members only from RW Forsyth, Renfield Street Glasgow for 4/6.

 

Cammy F - We Are The People, We Are The Champions

[bmck 117]

Cammy this is one of the best things I've read in ages. Thanks so much.

[CammyF 6,870]

Thanks m8 - more to follow over the coming days / weeks.

 

Cammy F

[pete 2,499]

Yes great read Cammy.