Rangers great Dawson dies aged 63

Former Rangers and Scotland defender Ally Dawson has died at the age of 63.

Dawson made 315 appearances for Rangers during a 12-year spell at Ibrox.

His family said in a statement: “It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Ally Dawson following a long battle with illness.

“To us, Ally was a loving husband, father, son and brother but we know he meant a lot to so many others.

Image: Ally Dawson went on to work with Street Soccer Scotland after his playing career ended

“We will remember the impact he had on our family with affection, inspired by the courage with which he fought his illness and the way he lived his life, and grateful that Ally spent his final days with those he loved and who loved him.”

Dawson joined Rangers at the age of 16 in 1975 after leaving Johnstone High School in Renfrewshire.

The full-back went on to captain Rangers and won two Scottish Cups and four League Cups, while gaining five Scotland caps under Jock Stein in the early 1980s.

Rangers said they were “extremely saddened” to hear of their former player’s passing.

Image: Ally Dawson joined Rangers in 1975 and went on to make over 300 appearances

“The thoughts of the directors, staff and players of Rangers are today with the family and friends of Ally,” the club added in a statement.

Dawson moved to Blackburn in 1987 and spent three years at Ewood Park, before spells with Limerick and Airdrie and a stint as a player/manager in Malta.

Rangers Football Club are today extremely saddened to hear of the passing of former player Alistair “Ally” Dawson at the age of 63. — Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 26, 2021

He later spent three years as Hamilton manager, leading Accies to the Third Division title in 2001.

The former defender was later a youth coach with Rangers and then worked for charity Street Soccer Scotland.

Dawson was a founder member of the organisation and coached Scotland to the Homeless World Cup title in 2011.

David Duke, founder and chief executive of Street Soccer Scotland, said: “The Street Soccer family is deeply saddened by Ally’s passing.

“We have all lost a father figure and a brilliant man, whose positive impact on those he supported will never be forgotten.

We are saddened to learn of the passing earlier today of former Manager Ally Dawson who was 63. Ally joined us as Asst Manager to Colin Miller in October 1998, taking over as Manager the following August. He will be remembered for the Div 3 title winners in 2001. — Hamilton Accies FC (@acciesfc) July 26, 2021

“Ally was humble, kind-hearted and gifted. There are many Street Soccer people today who have lost a great friend and mentor and somebody who changed their lives for the better, and our thoughts are with Ally’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“In due course, we will consider how best to reflect Ally’s legacy in Street Soccer Scotland, but for now we are all reflecting on a profound contribution to our collective journey and missing Ally immensely.”

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