Billy Simpson has passed away

[Bluedell 5,348]

THE board of directors, management, players and staff at Rangers Football Club would like to send our sincere condolences to the family of Billy Simpson after the former Light Blues and Northern Ireland centre forward passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 87.

 

Bill Struth brought Billy to Ibrox in October 1950 for a club record fee of £11,500 from Linfield and the Belfast-born striker proved to be one of the legendary Rangers manager’s best pound for pound signings as he went on to score 163 goals in 239 appearances for the club.

 

A versatile and courageous player who would risk injury to put the ball in the net, Billy was also excellent in the air with so many of his goals coming from his desire to get his head on crosses others would not attempt to reach.

 

His first goals for Rangers came on 23 December 1950, a hat-trick against East Fife at Ibrox, and his hundredth for the club was a typical flying header against Hearts in October 1957. He also scored four goals on no fewer than three occasions against Third Lanark, St Mirren and Hibernian.

 

Billy’s most important goal was against Hearts at Tynecastle in April 1957 and it was again a header. The 1-0 victory put Rangers on their way to league title success that season after Scot Symon’s side had been seven points behind the Jambos in the final straight.

 

At international level Billy made 12 appearances for Northern Ireland, scoring five goals, including the winner in a famous 3-2 victory over England at Wembley in November 1957.

 

After winning three league titles and scoring the winning goal against Aberdeen to lift the Scottish Cup with Rangers in 1953 he joined Stirling Albion in March 1958 before playing for Partick Thistle and Oxford United.

 

As a mark of respect, a minute’s silence will be observed prior to next Saturday’s game against Ross County at Ibrox.

[Bluedell 5,348]

A gentleman and never away from his great friend, Johnny Hubbard. A great supporter of Rangers fans' events and was always very friendly and approachable. Often seen at the WRC mixing with the fans.

 

A true Rangers great. RIP.

[pete 2,499]

I didn't know him but sad to see another of the family going. RIP

 

I hope we don't have many more deaths for a long while as people will be starting to think the black arm band is a part of the strip.

[Uilleam 5,460]

Before (even) my time. However, by all accounts, he was a great servant to the Club, and to the Norn Iron XI.

RIP

[Yorkshire Bear 0]

Not many of what I call the ''old gang'' left.

R.I.P. Billy.

[onevision 1,454]

Another legend leaves us, RIP Billy.

[Scott7 5,215]

"..... McColl to Billy Simpson

Here come the boys in blue

He beats the celtic centre half

And in goes number two ....."

 

A verse from an old refrain.

[pete 2,499]

"..... McColl to Billy Simpson

Here come the boys in blue

He beats the celtic centre half

And in goes number two ....."

 

A verse from an old refrain.

 

This is where I miss my father with all the old stories and songs of older players. It is great to have some oldies that can still remember that. Unfortunately you lose a generation every generation that is why it is fantastic the Gallant Pioneers are cataloguing so much of our history. the modern generation have films of almost all games but in the early days the films were few and far between.

[chilledbear 16]

One of the first pictures on my bedroom wall, Simpson and Hubbard.

[Uilleam 5,460]

Lifted from a German (!!!) site.

 

A Trip to Ibrox

 

I took a trip to Ibrox

My favourite team for to cheer

They were playing the Glasgow Celtic

On the 1st day of the year.

Now the ground was filled to capacity

As the teams came out to play,

The animals sang the soldiers song

And the people Dollys Brae.

 

Now the half time had came and went in

The Glasgow Celtic were in the lead,

Charlie Tully was running everywhere

Shakin his rosary beads

Well the green flags they were flying high

Celtics hearts they were full of pride.

But the second half sure it started well

And the Rangers they turned the tide.

 

Wont you play up the Glasgow Rangers,

Play up the boys in blue,

Play up the Glasgow Rangers

For were here to cheer on you.

 

Well the ball goes out to Waddle

And from 30 yards he did score,

Sure you coudn't hear your ears at Ibrox park

For the sash my father wore.

 

Oh play up the Glasgow Rangers,

Sammy Cox is on the ball,

He slips it through to Willy Woodburn

And on to Iain McCall.

Ian McCall to Billy Simpson,

Oh here come the boys in blue.

Simpson beats the Celtic center half

And in goes number 2.

 

Now the Rangers fans are roaring

As Geordie Young he takes a free.

Onto the head of Billy Simpson

And in goes number 3.

3:1 to the Glasgow Rangers

And that was the final score,

A happy new year at Ibrox park

For Rangers beat the Celtic once more,

A happy new year at Ibrox park

For Rangers beat the Celtic once more

 

What a couplet this is:

The animals sang the soldiers song

And the people Dolly's Brae.