The anticipation was clear and many Rangers fans were aware that the ‘fourth’ shirt was on its way this month.
Some had speculated that in this 150th anniversary season, the shirt would be a special homage to the founders. Already Rangers had honoured the four lads who had a dream by inscribing their names on the other three shirts to have been released so far this season.
Moses McNeil, Peter McNeil, William McBeath and Peter Campbell were their names, they are the Gallant Pioneers.
In terms of Rangers early history and the iconography, there is only one shirt that sticks out but it is peculiar in that there is no trace of its actually being worn in a game.
No, for the 1877 Scottish Cup Final, the fledgling Rangers team wore a white shirt with a pale blue star on the breast, the emblem of Clyde Rowing Club.
That photo is ingrained in Rangers folklore forever and it is that shirt that pays tribute to those young lads who led the way.
Obviously not everyone will be pleased, but together Rangers and Castore have done a fine job with the nod to the club’s history and a special commemorative shirt, here is that story;
Many fans, on the popular Follow Follow messageboard were quick to show their appreciation for the new jersey with comments such as:
justbrowsing – “:insert shut up and take my money gif here:”
StaunchEnclosure – “I really like that. Simple. Classy.”
Ron Swanson – “First thoughts is that is a belter.”
MearsUnionist – “Absolute class that. Love it.”
Yogi_Ger – “Oh just wow!”
Other comments included,
Aghalee_Hero added, “Be covered in Buckfast in no time”
Union Jack Pillow – “Not impressed”
Overall, it appears that the general consensus is one of approval. The lack of a bold sponsor logo will be approved by the tradionalists and it is a unique, fiiting look for the occasion.
Rangers have stated that the shirt will be worn in a competitve game this season, as we move close to the anniversary in 2022 and pay tribute to those Gallant Pioneers, the Four Lads who Had a Dream.”