The history of Rangers Football Club
Rangers Football Club, founded in March 1872 by four teenage boys in Glasgow, Scotland, is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Scottish football history. Key Milestones and Achievements Foundation and Early Years: The club was founded by brothers Moses and Peter McNeil, Peter Campbell, and William McBeath. Their first match was a goalless friendly against Callander. They were one of the ten founding members of the Scottish Football League in the 1890-91 season, which they shared the title of with Dumbarton. Domestic Dominance: Rangers hold the world record for the most top-tier league championships, with a total of 55 titles. They have also won the Scottish Cup 34 times and the Scottish League Cup a record 28 times. The club has achieved the domestic treble on seven occasions. European Success: While their domestic record is outstanding, their European success has been more limited. Their most notable international achievement is winning the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1972. They have also been runners-up in the European Cup Winners' Cup twice (1961, 1967) and the UEFA Cup/Europa League twice (2008, 2022). The Old Firm: Rangers have a fierce and long-standing rivalry with their Glasgow neighbours, Celtic, with matches between the two clubs collectively known as the "Old Firm." Financial Crisis and Rebirth In 2012, the club faced a severe financial crisis, leading to the liquidation of the original company. The club was re-formed and had to start its journey back to the top from the lowest division of Scottish football. They worked their way back up and rejoined the Scottish Premiership for the 2016-17 season. Notable Players and Managers John Greig: Voted the "Greatest Ever Ranger," he holds the club record for most appearances with 755. Ally McCoist: The club's all-time leading goal scorer with 355 goals. Bill Struth: The club's longest-serving and most successful manager, who led the team from 1920 to 1954, winning 18 league championships. Other notable players: Davie Cooper, Paul Gascoigne, Brian Laudrup, and Barry Ferguson.
