Breaking News: Tributes paid to Rangers and Airdrie legend Ian McMillan after death aged 92
Breaking News: Tributes paid to Rangers and Airdrie legend Ian McMillan after death aged 92
Following his passing at the age of 92, tributes have been given to Rangers, Airdrie, and Scotland hero Ian McMillan.
was dubbed “The Wee Prime Minister” by Rangers, where he was also a hero.
McMillan, who was born on March 19, 1931, was up close to the original Broomfield Stadium in Airdrie. The Daily Record notes that at
the age of 17, he left Airdrie Academy and signed professional contracts.
While at Airdrie, he earned the first of his five full Scotland caps in April 1952. In 1958, he signed a £10,300 contract to join Rangers.
During his six years at Ibrox, McMillan won three Scottish Cup and two League Cups, and made an appearance in the 1961 European Cup-Winners’ Cup final.
Airdrie brought him back in 1964, but persistent injury problems forced his retirement from playing in the summer of 1967.
When McMillan took over as manager again from 1970 to 1976, the team made it to the Texaco Cup final, won Division Two in 1974,
and advanced to the Scottish Cup final in 1975. In 2002, he was chosen Honorary President of Airdrie and served as vice-chairman as well.
“A wonderful footballer and a wonderful man, Ian will be sadly missed by everyone involved with Airdrieonians FC,” said an Airdrie statement.
“Ian performed a multitude of duties for the club, all with outstanding distinction.
“During this difficult time, our thoughts are with Ian’s family and countless friends. The loss of him is severely felt by the Airdrieonians Football Club.
In a statement, Rangers also honored McMillan: “Dubbed the ‘Wee Prime Minister,’ McMillan came to Rangers from Airdrie in 1958
and quickly rose to the position of one of the best inside forwards the team has ever had.
“McMillan played more than 200 games and scored 55 goals in his six seasons at Ibrox. He won two League titles, three Scottish Cups,
and two League Cups as a result of that contribution. He had a significant impact on the 1961 Cup Winners’ Cup Final squad as well.
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