by Lindsay Herron

IAN McCOLL, one of the greatest servants to Rangers and a member of the legendary Iron Curtain defence, has passed away. He was 81.

Rangers Chief Executive Martin Bain has led the tributes to true gentleman Ian, who was also a highly successful Scotland manager,

He said: "We are saddened to learn of Ian's passing. He was a magnificent player for Rangers and, of course, a key member of the famous Iron Curtain defence in the post-war era.

"The Club sends its condolences to Ian's family."

McColl was a wing half, in the old parlance, of some distinction. He became captain of Rangers in the 1950s and can comfortably lay claim to being one of the club's greatest servants.

Signed from Queen's Park - the epitome of the Corinthian spirit - McColl quickly learned that the winning was more important than the playing when you joined the Rangers ranks.

He was the final cog in the legendary Iron Curtain defence, which was so effective in Rangers' considerable successes of the period.

Bobby Brown in goal, George Young and Jock Shaw in the full back positions with McColl, Willie Woodburn and Sammy Cox in front of them was a formidable barrier in a tremendous time for the club.

In a 10-year period Rangers averaged less than a goal against per game which is indicative of just how stong the defensive line was.

McColl won six titles, five Scottish Cups and the League Cup twice in his fabulous Rangers career. He was also capped 14 times by Scotland.

By the late 1950s McColl had become a peripheral player as a new team had been built, but he still had one key function to fulfil.

He was recalled for the 1960 Scottish Cup Final as a replacement for the injured Harold Davis and was a steadying influence as two Jimmy Millar goals gave Rangers a 2-0 win over Kilmarnock. He went out at the top.

Looking after the mercurial talent that was Jim Baxter would have been a daunting task for any manager but Ian McColl had to do it TWICE after his fantastic, 15-year Rangers career was over.

McColl became Scotland manager in 1961 and utilised the incredible skills of Baxter in many of his selections - none more effectively than at the 1963 clash with England at Wembley when Baxter scored both Scotland goals in a 2-1 win.

He then became Sunderland manager in 1965 and signed Baxter from Rangers but the move was not successful as sadly Slim Jim had started to have more fun off the field than on it.

In 27 matches as Scotland manager he won 16 times which is undoubtedly a record to be proud of.

He is survived by wife Jessie, son Ian and daughter Aileen.