Former Rangers and Scotland forward Ian McMillan dies aged 92

Rangers have paid tribute to former player Ian McMillan following his death at the age of 92.

Nicknamed the ‘Wee Prime Minister’, McMillan joined Rangers in 1958 from boyhood club Airdrie and scored 55 goals in 200 appearances despite only being a part-time footballer and continuing to work as a quantity surveyor.

McMillan was a key member of the team that reached the 1961 European Cup Winners’ Cup final, playing in the final defeat by Fiorentina. He won nine major trophies with Rangers, including four league titles, in six seasons and was inducted into the club’s hall of fame.

A Rangers statement called him “one of the best inside forwards the club has ever had”.

McMillan also won six caps for Scotland, the first five of which came as an Airdrie player, and scored two goals for his country.

He returned to Airdrie when he left Rangers and scored 119 goals in 301 appearances for the Diamonds over his two spells.

He went on to manage the Lanarkshire club and led them to a Texaco Cup final and the 1975 Scottish Cup final, thanks to a semi-final win over local rivals Motherwell at Hampden.

McMillan was a boyhood Airdrie fan and grew up near their old Broomfield ground, and later served as vice-chairman and honorary president.

The cinch Championship club said: “We were devastated to receive the news today that Ian McMillan, Airdrieonians’ most celebrated son and the man widely recognised as the greatest ever to grace the famous Diamond shirt, has passed away.

“A wonderful footballer and a wonderful man, Ian will be sadly missed by everyone involved with Airdrieonians FC – and there have been many, as Ian filled so many roles with the club, always with great distinction.

“In 2002, Ian was named honorary president, a distinction thoroughly merited in recognition of a truly outstanding career.

“Although health concerns eventually led to Ian standing down from the position, he always kept up to date with the club’s fortunes.

“Our thoughts are with Ian’s family and many, many friends at this sad time. His loss is a profound one for Airdrieonians Football Club.”