WILLIE Waddell, the Rangers and Scotland legend, has died in hospital
of a heart attack at the age of 71.
Ibrox Stadium, created through the vision of Waddell, was a place in
mourning yesterday.
Club chairman David Murray said: ''The club owes Willie Waddell a
tremendous debt. He will be remembered not only for his playing career
but for laying the foundation of the new stadium. He will be sorely
missed.''
Waddell, known as the Deedle, made his playing debut for the club
against Arsenal in 1938 and retired in 1956 to take up a career in
journalism. He returned to football as manager of Kilmarnock and in 1965
led the Rugby Park side to their greatest triumph, the Scottish
Championship.
After another spell in journalism, he returned to football management
with Rangers and led them to victory in the European Cup Winners' Cup in
1972 before becoming a director of the club. After his retirement, he
was made an honorary director and adviser.
John Greig, who captained the winning European side, and who is now
Rangers public relations chief, said: ''I am shattered. Willie Waddell
became a father figure to me.
''I think he saw in me someone to carry on the traditions of the club
instilled in him by Bill Struth. His death is a terrible blow, because
he meant so much to me personally.
''Since the day 66 people died in the Ibrox disaster in 1971, he had a
burning ambition to make Ibrox Stadium a place for our fans to be proud
of, a place where people could come to watch football in safety and
comfort. The stadium now is a testimony to his vision.''
Celtic chairman Kevin Kelly said: ''It is with great sadness that I
have learned of the death of Willie Waddell.
''Celtic Football Club knew Willie as a player, manager, and director
and we always enjoyed our relationship with him. We respected him as a
hard but fair rival.
Mr Waddell is survived by his wife Hilda and three children, Ronnie,
Peter, and Ailsa. His funeral will take place at Linn Crematorium at
12.30 tomorrow.
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