Thread: Sandy Jardine: Rangers Legend Dies Aged 65

Sir Alex Ferguson has led tributes to Rangers and Scotland footballer Sandy Jardine, who has died at the age of 65.

The European Cup Winners' Cup-winning full-back was among the Ibrox side's most decorated servants and played 38 times for his country.

Jardine - who was also named Scotland's player of the year at the age of 38 during a stint as joint manager of Hearts - was diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago.

He is survived by his wife Shona, children Steven and Nicola as well as several grandchildren.

Sir Alex, a former Rangers team-mate, said: "From Cathy and I, this is some of the worst news we have heard.

"Sandy was a noble and courageous man. The respect he is held in at Rangers is immense.

"He was one of the greatest players ever to wear the jersey. To Shona and family, we express our sympathy and sadness."

Jardine played more than 600 times for Rangers, winning three league championships, five Scottish Cups and five League Cups.

But the finest moment of his career was undoubtedly Rangers' 1972 Cup Winners' Cup final victory over Dynamo Moscow in Barcelona.

Jardine made his Scotland debut against Denmark in 1970 and played in all three group matches during the 1974 World Cup finals in West Germany, where he and Celtic's Danny McGrain were voted the competition's best full-backs.

He also featured in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina and captained Scotland on nine occasions.

Rangers boss Ally McCoist said: "There have been many great names associated with Rangers Football Club in our 142-year history and Sandy is a Rangers legend in every sense of the word.

"We are all devastated with the news he has passed away. We have lost a great man today.

"I had the privilege of watching Sandy playing for Rangers when I was a young boy, I had enjoyed the pleasure of working with him closely since I returned to the club in 2007 and he was a truly remarkable human being.

"He was respected not only by Rangers fans but also the wider football community and he is a huge loss to the game. We will never see his like again in the modern era."

Sandy Jardine: Funeral held for Rangers, Hearts and Scotland great





Sandy Jardine died last week after an 18-month battle with cancer





Current Rangers players, including captain Lee McCulloch, were at the funeral





Major footballing figures at the service included former Celtic player Bertie Auld





Sir Alex Ferguson with Willie Henderson paid their respects

Club men: Rangers manager Ally McCoist (left) and former assistant manager Archie Knox also attended

Respects: Rangers legend Colin Jackson arrives ahead of the funeral of former team-mate