Club legend, former player and manager, Graeme Souness has received Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his services to football and charity.
“I'm absolutely thrilled, it's a tremendous honour,” said Souness, once he was told of the honour during ITV Sport’s broadcast of Euro 2024’s opening game between Germany and Scotland. “Great for me, great for my wife and kids. I think I've got it for the charity I'm involved in which is DEBRA which helps poor children and young adults who suffer from a terrible disease called epidermolysis bullosa.
“We're talking about it so that's only good news, we need to keep going, we're in a fight we can't lose with that. We've got to find a cure for that. I'm glad keeps it in the public eye.”
Meanwhile, fellow Rangers FC legend and record goal scorer, Ally McCoist has become an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to football and broadcasting.
“I'm thrilled. First to congratulate Graeme and his lovely words, well done to him. I'm equally thrilled and absolutely delighted. I know up there my wee mum will be looking down and will be absolutely ecstatic for us.
“Next stop Knighthood? I'm not sure! But it was certainly great news and it's given … if Graeme and I needed an excuse to share a glass of Champagne this evening we've just found it!”
Rangers FC Chairman, John Bennett, congratulated both former players and managers, saying:
“On behalf of the club, I’d like to offer my warmest congratulations to both Ally and Graeme.
“Both are iconic figures in the history of Rangers. Not only is Ally our greatest ever goal scorer, he led the club through one of our darkest periods as manager, and it is no surprise his depth of personality and knowledge of the game has led to great success in the media world.
“Graeme was the driving force in the 1980s in bringing our club back to sustained success, and stands proudly revered by the Rangers family.
“His charity work for DEBRA is outstanding and testament to Graeme’s incredible determination.
“We look forward to welcoming both Ally and Graeme back to Ibrox in the new season.”