Father’s Day always brings with it a touch of sentimentality. In football, that sentiment often manifests in stories of legacy, fathers who passed on not just their love of the game, but their name, their values, and sometimes, a place in professional football itself. At Rangers, a club steeped in history and family tradition, the footballing bloodlines run deep.
One name stands out more than most this Father’s Day: Lewis Ferguson. The son of former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson, Lewis is on the verge of a life-changing move to Italian champions Napoli, with a reported fee more than £20 million.
It’s a move that underlines just how far he’s come since his early days at Hamilton and Aberdeen, but also a sobering reminder of what Rangers missed out on.
Ferguson, despite his Ibrox roots and his family ties, never got the chance to wear the famous light blue jersey. For a club that prides itself on legacy and homegrown talent, watching him flourish abroad while the midfield was rebuilt time and again feels like an opportunity missed.
While Lewis has forged his own identity away from Glasgow, the Ferguson name, like his uncle Barry’s before him, will always stir something in the Ibrox stands.
Another product of a proud Rangers lineage is Nicky Clark, son of former Rangers striker and assistant manager Sandy Clark.
Nicky had a brief stint at Ibrox in the early 2010s, contributing to the club’s journey back up the leagues. While his time didn’t yield a starring role, the familial connection served as a reminder of the generational pull Rangers exerts on players and fans alike.
In terms of potential legacies yet to be fulfilled, Max Johnston is a name the club cannot afford to let slip away. The son of Allan Johnston, who played for Rangers during the late 1990s, Max is quickly establishing himself as one of Scotland’s brightest full-back prospects.
Currently at Sturm Graz, the 21-year-old has a list of suitors growing by the day.
As Inside Ibrox previously reported, Rangers must move now if they are serious about bringing Max back to Scotland, or risk watching another homegrown star flourish elsewhere.
His attacking prowess and defensive maturity would fill a position that needs refreshed due to the decline of James Tavernier. With his lineage and potential, Johnston fits the mould of the modern-day Rangers signing.
Across the continent, Gio Reyna, son of former Rangers player Claudio , is another case of footballing heritage intersecting with Ibrox memories. Gio has struggled for consistent minutes at Borussia Dortmund and may seek a fresh start this summer. While a move to Rangers may be ambitious, the nostalgia surrounding his father’s calm presence in midfield makes the younger Reyna an intriguing name to watch.
Then there's Jensen Weir, son of ex-Rangers captain and assistant manager David , who continues to make strides in England. After loan spells and steady progression, Jensen is carving out his own path, and with midfield reinforcements always on the radar, perhaps Rangers will once again look to a familiar surname who has the potential to grow into the jersey.
But the most heart warming chapter of this Father's Day story might just be unfolding quietly at The Rangers Training Centre.
Billy Wallace, son of former captain Lee, is part of the club’s youth setup. It’s early days for the youngster, but his presence is a powerful symbol of continuity, a reminder that legacies are not just about what’s written in the record books, but what’s passed on in the back garden, the training ground, and the stands.
At Ibrox, where tradition and family are part of the club's DNA, Father’s Day isn't just a moment for reflection, it's a celebration of the ties that bind generations of players and fans. From missed opportunities to future stars, the Rangers story is still being written, one family at a time.