On 7 May 1997, injured Rangers captain Richard Gough looked on from the sidelines at Tannadice as his team took on Dundee United, looking for the win that would secure their ninth consecutive league title. Gough had played an integral part in the previous eight titles as well as getting them to the brink of the ninth. But now, at the ground where his career had begun, all he could do was watch.
Born in Sweden, and raised in South Africa, Richard Gough’s early promise on the pitch spurred his dad, himself a former semi-professional footballer, to arrange trials for his son in Scotland. First up was an unsuccessful trial at Rangers, the team Gough supported. The next stop was Dundee United, and this time the trial was a success, after Gough impressed assistant manager Walter Smith. After an initial spell at Tannadice, a homesick Gough returned to South Africa, escaping the depths of the Scottish winter. However, Dundee United manager Jim McLean was not to be denied, calling Richard’s dad daily in an attempt to get Gough back to Dundee. Gough eventually returned and immediately became a mainstay in the United defence for the next six years.
After helping United win the league in 1983, and reach the European cup semi-final the following year, Gough eventually left for London in 1986, joining Tottenham Hotspur after Jim McLean refused to sell him to Rangers. In his time at Tottenham, he became captain, led them to the FA Cup final, and appeared in the obligatory Chas & Dave FA Cup final song.
However, Gough returned to Scotland in 1987, having been signed for a record fee as part of Graeme Souness’ Ibrox revolution. An impressive start, including an infamously fiery Old Firm derby debut against Celtic, saw Gough quickly become a fan favourite. Rangers didn’t win the league in the 97/98 season, but they did win it the following season, beginning a run of consecutive titles.
With eight league titles now in the bag, and Gough as club captain, Rangers were going for the ninth. A season of cup finals saw them on the brink, but the team was ravaged by injuries, including to their talismanic captain. Could they get over the line at Tannadice? Show less