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John Greig ‘deeply saddened’ at loss of Arsenal shares

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With Arsenal’s visit to Ibrox on Saturday for the pre-season test, there will be a few talking points produced on the pitch.

Off it, a familiar, forlorn tale will also become very apparent – once again.

That is the wilful neglect and destruction of a piece of Rangers history by disgraced former custodian Craig Whyte in selling off the historic Arsenal shares.

Not to dwell too much on the past decade and the troubles at Ibrox but this unique link and treasured heritage was just cast away so callously.

Back in 2012, the Daily Record reported the immediate reaction of Rangers royalty John Greig on hearing of what had happened:

“I am deeply saddened by this. I always held that these shares, which are a vital part of Rangers’ heritage, should never be sold. Now they’re gone.”

“Rangers were built on strength of character and achieved a significant standing in football. There was integrity and I worry about that being lost too.”

“But those shares should never have been sold. They were about something more than money.”

History

The Rangers-Arsenal friendship isn’t as prevalent today between the clubs as it was in a bygone era – icons in the form of Struth and Chapman had much in common and their bond grew.

Even today, some fans hold a fondness for both clubs, so it is great that this historic link will be renewed once again on Saturday afternoon.

The Record piece provided further context on the background to the Arsenal shares:

“But the clubs’ relationship can be traced back to the 1900s. Glaswegian George Morrell had previously been on the books at Ibrox but was appointed boss of Woolwich Arsenal, as the Gunners were then known, in 1908.”

“He oversaw a difficult time for the club financially and Rangers were one of the first to lend a helping hand.”

“Morrell’s connection with Gers prompted the Ibrox hierarchy to purchase two £1 shares in Woolwich Arsenal – and their support wouldn’t be forgotten.”

“In the 1930s Bill Struth, a Rangers icon and boss at Ibrox for 34 years, became close friends with Highbury counterpart Herbert Chapman.”

“It is believed, as a result of their generosity 20 years earlier, the newly-formed Arsenal gifted Rangers a further 14 shares.”

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