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Ibrox icon Ian Durrant enjoyed a stellar career with his beloved Rangers and lived the dream of every supporter every time he pulled on the famous jersey.
The former Light Blues midfielder, who celebrates his 60th birthday today, worked under four of the greatest men in the club’s illustrious history and was adored by them all – despite causing them the occasional off-field headache.
Durrant was signed by John Greig in 1983, was given his debut by Jock Wallace in 1985, he became a key player for Graeme Souness during his Rangers Revolution and achieved legendary status by playing his part in the 9-in-a-Row era during Walter Smith’s tenure in the dugout.
Ian won 6 League Titles, 3 Scottish Cups and 4 League Cups with Rangers and he would have had more championship medals had he not missed almost three years of his career following that horror knee injury at Aberdeen in 1988.
Born just a stone’s throw from Ibrox in Kinning Park, Durrant was one of Scotland’s most naturally gifted attacking midfield players and his electric pace, incredible range of passing and eye for goal made him an immediate fans’ favourite.
A big game performer, Ian scored crucial goals in Cup Finals, Old Firm derbies and European ties throughout his career and his infectious, mischievous personality – and comedy double act with best pal Ally McCoist – added something special to the dressing room.
It’s no surprise he lost some of his pace after that career-threatening injury – as a result of a shocking tackle from Neil Simpson at Pittodrie – but he returned to action in 1991 and adapted his game magnificently.
He continued to be a creative force in the middle of the park and up front when asked to occupy a more advanced role and Durrant was proud to represent Rangers with distinction for 7 more years.
A richly deserved Hall of Famer, he joined The Rangers Former Players Benevolent Club as a Trustee in August 2024 and has always been a passionate supporter of The Rangers Youth Development Company – who have provided more than £12.5 million to the Academy so far.
In a fresh interview conducted at ERSA’s recent 2026 Convention in Lanzarote, Ian reflects on a truly outstanding playing career and discusses the four legendary Rangers managers who had such an influence on his life.
Durranty said: “It’s for other people to judge how I did as a player but I lived the dream as a Rangers fan.
“I was in the privileged position of being signed by John Greig who had seen me play as a schoolboy.
“I’d have loved to have worked with him longer before Big Jock came in but I’m grateful he brought me to the club.
“When somebody signs you, you wany to play for them but unfortunately it didn’t work out.
“I’m grateful to Jock, though, for giving me my Rangers debut.
“What a man, what a motivator he was and then Graeme Souness comes in and totally transformed the club.
“He was given a pot of money and brought in some of the best players in the world at that time.
“Guys like Terry Butcher and Chris Woods joined and the fact English clubs were banned from Europe at the time definitely helped.
“The lure of getting the chance of playing in Europe for Rangers was a big factor.
“The likes of Ray Wilkins, Graeme Roberts and Trevor Francis also came in and it was an exciting time.
“I was lucky to work with them all and then Walter, the great man, was given the job when Graeme went to Liverpool.
“It was easy for him because he had a nucleus of the players, the nucleus of a great squad and everybody wanted to play for him.
“He had the personality and an aura and brought in two world-class players in Brian Laudrup and Paul Gascoigne.
“Walter was brilliant and you didn’t want to let him down.
“In my time as a player, for John Greig, Jock Wallace, Graeme Souness, and Walter Smith, you just didn’t want to let any of them down.
“We would run through brick walls for them and we couldn’t wait to get into training every day.
“They were special managers and created special groups.
“There was a togetherness and it was just a special time to be at the club.
“John Greig is the greatest ever Ranger in my eyes so I will always be grateful to him for starting my career at the club.
“Being a Glasgow Rangers player was the most enjoyable time of my life.
“I think now, with the benefit of hindsight, Graeme probably made the biggest mistake of his life leaving when he did.
“But I’m only thankful that he never took Walter with him.
“He offered the gaffer a King’s Ransom to go to Liverpool but he chose to stay with Rangers and he carried on our success.
“He was just a proper man. All my Rangers managers were and it was a pleasure to work with them.
“I had grown up admiring them all and I ended up being one of Walter’s best friends which was a personal honour.
“Sometimes you pinch yourself because I knew these great people and got on with them so well.
“When Walter asked me to come back and be part of his coaching staff when he returned as manager it was another great honour for me.
“I felt 10 feet tall when he said he wanted me to join him, Ally and Kenny.
“I used to sit with the gaffer at the games and I was just a sponge.
“I was just absorbing everything he was saying.
“It was just great when he came back and he brought a lot of success to the club again. What happened after he left the second time was just tragic for the club but we are rebuilding and we seem in a good place now.
“Mr Cavenagh, Jim Gillespie and Fraser Thornton are good people and they are Rangers-minded and that counts for a lot in my eyes.
“The only thing that’s missing just now is winning trophies and hopefully my old pal Derek can make that happen.
“I see him on matchdays at Ibrox as I’m a Rangers Ambassador now and I love it.
“I’m working alongside my good friend John Brown and former players like Barry Ferguson, Lee McCulloch, Gordon Durie and Marvin Andrews and I enjoy getting the club suit on again.
“I also love listening to the stories the older players like Colin Stein, Alex MacDonald, Willie Johnston and Willie Henderson tell me when I’m at Ibrox.
“When you play for Rangers, even when you retire, you are always representing the club.
“I’m approachable and I like a laugh, a giggle and a pint and I enjoy meeting the punters.
“It’s not a problem to give fans a bit of your time and I enjoyed mixing with them during the ERSA Convention.
“It was great to see John MacDonald, Dave McPherson, Marco Negri, Marvin Andrews and Scott Nisbet in Lanzarote.
“We all had a great time and spent a few days in the sun. Thanks to Linda Smith for asking me to attend.
“There are a lot of good people at Rangers. People like Colin Stewart who has a great team at RYDC and all help raise so much money for the Rangers Academy.
“I’m also a trustee for The Rangers Former Players Benevolent Club, alongside Colin, Ally, John Greig and Peter McCloy, and we help ex-players who need support.
“Rangers has been my life and I am still involved at 60 so I am delighted with that.”
Youth development at Rangers is assisted by annual RYDC donations to the Academy and we’ve provided more than £12.5 million so far.
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