Bill Struth

[BEARGER 1,952]

Born on this day 1875.

[Fa1833 506]

What I know about Bill is he wasn’t just an Excellent All round Manager what he said went he was in full control! Modern day football is like a revolving door whilst Struth managed us for 34 years, apart from Alex Ferguson have we ever had anyone on world football to hold a position that long? Struths team was built in the understanding of the Rangers way of life installing a system in place where he would effectively become the Law in everything from player dress codes we see today, His discipline and work ethos is something we are seriously lacking in the today’s word of football. Sure he never faced criticism from today’s Social media’s or the pressure from all these agents sporting directors etc, Which I think has ruined today’s football aspect as this creates a sense of this player is better than that player or my client needs to have this and that game played bonus or whatever crap they have in today’s contracts. Under Bill Struth they all had the upmost respect for him and knew the job at hand and that was to win games. Yet today’s players know they can go to there agents etc if there unhappy which if it’s a “Top” performer this can have a negative impact on today’s managers resulting in a revolt in the ranks leading to the manager’s dismissal. 

Edited 10 hours ago by Fa1833

[JohnMc 3,308]

That length of tenure was actually much more common than you think. Willie Maley was Celtic manager for 43 years, in the early 20th century it wasn't unusual for managers to serve for 20 plus years. Guy Roux famously managed Auxerre for 44 years in more recent times. 

Struth's longevity is still impressive even for the period, but it's his success that's really noteworthy. Celtic were the dominant side in Scotland when he joined the club, by the time he left Rangers had won 10 more titles than Celtic. The manager's job was different then than it is today. Back then the manager was in charge of the club on a day to day basis and involved in all aspects of it. So Struth was felt across every aspect Rangers, not just the first 11. 

It's difficult to overstate his importance. Rangers weren't the massive club they are today when he took over, Glasgow was a city of immigrants many with no family ties to Rangers. Working men chose to go and see a football match based on who would entertain them as much as who they wanted to win. Rangers were an attractive side to watch, they had brilliant players who put on a show. Struth understood that football was about winning but also about doing it with a certain style. 

 

[Fa1833 506]

Well let’s hope this American Investment group 51er’s can entertain us and put on a show for us loyal supporters to be proud of! Let’s hope we have a similar ethos in place based on Bills ethos as that has been  clearly lacking  for some time. Sure there not everyone’s cup of tea and I was sceptical but after there statement on the commentary situation in our VAR no goal situation. I’m starting to believe again that we have a structure in place, Sure RM has to prove himself but with the right backing and investment 🤞 we can start to build our foundations again and lay the DNA of what’s expected as a whole moving forward in the one direction with a clear sense of vision and transparency for us fans to see and give us something to believe in 🔴⚪️🔵 NS