Sandy visit hands boost to veterans

Mar 17 2012 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

SCOTTISH football legend Sandy Jardine took veterans on a trip down memory lane.

The former Rangers and Scotland captain visited the Erskine home for a Reminiscence Afternoon thanks to the Rangers Charity Foundation.

The event saw veterans enjoying a presentation and talk from Sandy on the history of the club, as well as famous players from the past.

The SPL Trophy, League Cup and a replica of the European Cup Winner’s Cup were also on show.

Former Black Watch veteran Alex Johnstone, who is 97, was among the veterans who shared memories of Rangers teams and games, past and present.

Alex said: “I took up following Rangers after World War II and was a season ticket holder for many, many years.

“It was good to hear Sandy Jardine speak about events I remember only too well.

“It was an incredibly enjoyable afternoon and everyone present looked as though they had thoroughly enjoyed talking about the good old days.”

Jardine was with Rangers for 17 years and played in over 450 games for the club, scoring 42 goals.

He played 38 times for Scotland and, after leaving Ibrox, spent six years with Hearts, where he made a further 184 top-team appearances.

He told the Paisley Daily Express: “Erskine does marvellous work and it is a charity very close to the heart of many Rangers fans.

“We are delighted to be working with Erskine as our Community Partner.

“It’s all about giving something back to the community and, hopefully, the veterans enjoyed the slide show and seeing the trophies.”

Alan Moss, community fundraiser at Erskine, added: “We would like to thank the Rangers Charity Foundation for organising this excellent event for our residents.”