Bobby Hume

You're weclome professor.

Beat us ........ what with? ...... must have a bag of baseball bats then, as their team certainly won't, their up for a tanking.

Again spot on mate, Dave's passing was the difference in 72. Completely forgot about his injuries as well to add to his pure fighting instinct to get back on the field. Unusual for a player back then to come back from one break never mind two, as you so rightly point out only adds to his reputation.

Spot on, the second half proves your point. If not for his accurate passes we could have seen a different outcome in Spain.

Pity you missed Baxter at his best, but as said by Snagglepuss above, Dave Smith was of the same style to a degree, and produced many memorable displays of silky, smooth, calm football that allowed him to stroll through games ...... he was cool. Your memory is probably better than mine as to how he wore his shirt sleeves, and I believe you are right on that account mate,

Good post mate, we always seemed to replace one great with another at Ibrox, and Dave became a firm favourite with the fans. Dave Smith was one of the best players of his day, and as you say he was also a joy to watch, no Slim jim, as there could only be one, but definitely a great player for us. Barca Bear and hall of fame placement show how he is revered today.

His second spell was one I prefer not to remember, as he had bulked up and had lost his touch. Nevertheless, I was at the 2 -1 match against the filth, and will use that as my last reference point when talking about his return, in that game he played his heart out and we all hoped for this to be his normal game. Unfortunately his fitness and his loathing of training, plus his drinking had not reduced any, put payed to any realistic comeback. The saddest thing I witnessed was the abuse he got from certain sections of the support, we are not a forgiving crowd, and even the best are not safe from criticism unfortunately. His second spell was not great, and thankfully he retired at the end of the season in1970 and reduced that period in his otherwise brilliant playing career, and will always be remembered more for his spectacular first period at our famous club ...... as he should be.

Well spotted mate, it goes to show you that even some of their fans can see the stupidity of their club's actions, and the ridicule they deserve. Can't wait for the total humiliation they will receive at Ibrox tomorrow. No Surrender Davie Weir.

That's a roaring certainty mate ....... and the thought of that being the case is truly mind-blowing ....... what if eh?

Never knew that OB, so it is very possible that his dad was from on high, a place that Jim himself found on earth to be preferable to the norm.

Yes it was at Ibrox and they invaded our desecrated pitch the manky twats, after getting humped, can't remember the score for sure but I think it was 3 - 0 or 4. they were well pissed off though. Arrests galore at that game, happily most were scum. We were all hoping for them in the final but were contented to get the Buddies, never thought George McLean who played that day would come to us, but he eventually got there. Their keeper kept the score down, as we would have scored much more but for him.

Mine was in 1962, we beat St. Mirren with Davie Wilson and Ralph Brand scoring the goals. Was at the 1963 replay final, it was against the scum, we beat them 3 - 0 with the same scorers, Brand getting two and Wilson getting one. I was amazed at the size of the crowds, and it was a spectacle on it's own to see so many people in one place at the same time. Hampden was massive then. In both games we were streets ahead of the opposition, but I remember against St. Mirren we were pushed well by them and they were a strong side having pumped the filth in the semis. Against them we walked it, it was as simple as that. Great memories and victories.

Baxter was definitely a flawed genius who found it difficult to conform to the football standards of his time, but he was ours', The Rangers, and for all the great memories he laid out for us to enjoy, I am glad I saw him play. Some of the best football I have ever seen from any player in the world came from him and his magical left boot. I like many hundreds of thousands idolised this man, and when he finally left us for ever, it was as if I was losing my greatest friend and one of my saddest days. For all his flaws he was undoubtedly the greatest player we have ever produced in this country ........ Bar none.

True mate, it is a nice thing to be around when history is in it's infancy, and something special when you actually get to see it played out. And for the bit in bold .............. We all are OB ....... And as once intimated, that great man was none other than Jim Baxter's Father ............ The Almighty himself.

Top post Mal, and on the ball.

Well said ODC, I think you were right to doubt initially, especially after some of our experiences recently. Glad you are now well onboard mate, W&W seem to have that effect and has lifted the support no end.

Get his name put on the back mate, he deserves it. "Moss the Boss", and he will be the the top dog in the street.

Good responses from Barrie, and the realisation that has come about, from him being loaned out, that he has seen his future lies at The Rangers if he applies himself. Not a bad first presser, a wee bit nervous, but like all things new, once you do it a few times it gets easier. Liked his reference to the manager having confidence in him, and this is vital to a player, more so a young player, to have that backing. W&W have made such a difference, it oozes out all who come into contact with them. Great times ahead for us all.

Amen to that OB. The fact that you actually had a connection with players like Tiger Shaw, is in itself something, and catches the reader's imagination, and adds to the tale that wee bit of magic.

Your "recollections" and tales related to you from players involved, and the way you retell the info given to you, would put the modern hacks' (who are paid a wage) efforts to shame. Like yourself, a lot of us loved to hear how the games went from family elders who had seen bygone legends play, and would give the tale that added personal touch, that only a fan could, and when it's passed down like that it's as if you were there as well. You're dead right though, we could do with more "recollections" from our mature members from the old days, as they must have a wealth of knowledge to impart, and it's easy to see that it's well received by all who have an interest in our past players, who sent our fathers and grandfathers wild with delight.

Is it not time you wrote a book OB, as it is great to read your stories about The Gers from days gone by, it would a very welcome publication from a fan who recalls like it was happening right now, great work mate, I enjoyed that tale.

Thought he was poor when he first arrived, but after being positioned in his rightful CH position he was the most improved player in that period for us. He helped to tame the scum on many an occasion at CH, and I loved him for his sold performances, was sorry to see him go.

Condolences to his family and to his friends.

Great post Jim, no one can deny the part played by DW in the appointment of MW, have said it a few times, if not for Davie Weir, it may never have happened.

Did a wee search and found this report from a German perspective, quite a story of how it was back then you will find. The war was still fresh in a lot of peoples memories, but the sportsmanship (not including big Harold's jaw breaker) given out at the end of the game at Ibrox is well received in this report. Also checked out that it must have been Bernd Oles who was awarded the iron cross from Hitler. Ozblue will you confirm if correct mate, and thanks for your great memories this story confirms. http://bundesligafanatic.com/snapshot-applause-for-the-brave-amateurs-from-germany/