One of the most famous names in world football, the Rangers hold an almost unique position in the game. No club from the same era can claim as distinguished a history, as high a trophy count or such a large and loyal fanbase as the Light Blues. In fact, no other club in football can claim to have amassed more than Rangers’ 107 major trophies and the record home crowd for a domestic match of 118,567 is unsurpassed by all British clubs.

The late 1860s and early 1870s was when football first took its grip on Scotland and it was in February of 1872 that four teenagers – Moses and Peter McNeil, Peter Campbell and William McBeath - decided to form their own club, with Moses offering the name “Rangers.” The early days of the Rangers were very much a family affair with two more McNeils joining Peter Campbell’s brother and Alex and Tom Vallance. Despite having no strips, no ground to call their own and not even a ball, the Rangers survived and would evolve with the city of Glasgow to become Scotland’s premier club.

After the 100% league record of season 1898/99, the Match Secretary William Wilton became Rangers’ first ever manager and his dedication ensured the club’s status in society in the early part of the 20th century. This commitment to Rangers was only surpassed when, after Wilton’s tragic death in 1920, the trainer of six years, William Struth, was appointed as manager.

It was under Struth’s guidance that Rangers would embark on an unparalleled period of dominance with almost unbroken success over 34 years – something unmatched in football on a global scale. Struth’s Rangers rose to a prominence in society that matched that of the Church of Scotland and along with this stature came a river of silverware and players such as Alan Morton, Bob McPhail, Davie Meiklejohn, Dougie Gray, George Young, Willie Waddell and Jock Shaw – all legends of the Scottish game.

When Struth stepped down, the biggest job in the country was handed to former player, and then East Fife manager, Scot Symon – only the third manager in over 80 years of the club. It was Symon that lead Rangers into the European arena and the 60s saw yet another great side: Ritchie, Shearer, Caldow, Greig, McKinnon, Henderson, McMillan, Millar, Brand and Wilson – an outstanding ten made into a legendary eleven with the inclusion of the mercurial Jim Baxter.

Ibrox trophy room

Although Rangers reached two European finals in the 60s, it was third time lucky as the European Cup Winner’s Cup was clinched in Barcelona’s Nou Camp on May 24th, 1972. After defeating Bayern Munich in the semi final (a team that would then go on to win three consecutive European Cups) the Russian side Dynamo Moscow were beaten 3-2 in the final.

A forgettable domestic period was ended with a League victory at Easter Road in 1975, with Jock Wallace’s super fit Rangers side going on to further success, winning an historic ‘double treble’ with clean sweeps in 1976 and 1978. Unfortunately, an aging team and Wallace’s departure in ’78 would see the club hit a difficult spell, only ended by the arrival of Scotland legend Graeme Souness as player-manager.

Ibrox Stadium

As one era ended and the likes of Richard Gough, Ally McCoist, Ian Durrant, Paul Gascoigne, Stuart McCall, Brian Laudrup and Andy Goram left, a new, oranje-tinted era began. Dick Advocaat brought to Rangers some seasoned internationals that would provide the best football of a generation and some memorable European nights.

The big spending of the Advocaat reign could not be sustained and the Dutchman was succeeded in 2002 by Alex McLeish. McLeish’s remit was clear: to work under a tight budget, aiming for success while those up the marble staircase downsized the club and the ambitions of the support. With this in mind, McLeish must be given immense credit for a cup double and a record seventh ‘treble’ in his first 18 months and, of course, a generation of Bears will always smile when recalling the two historic last-day title triumphs.

This is a potted history of the most storied and glorious club in football. The tale of four young teenagers forming their own club that would, within five years, play in a national cup final and, within little over 50 years, play in front of six-figure crowds is a sporting fairytale. Clubs are built on history and tradition and the sheer grandeur and magnificence of the imposing ‘Bill Struth’ Main Stand of Ibrox Stadium is testament to Rangers standing in the Beautiful Game. Legends were made there.

This article was contributed by the website followfollow.com.