Berwick Rangers vs Rangers 1967: The Aftermath of a Scottish Football Shock
The defeat of Rangers by Berwick Rangers remains one of the most staggering upsets in the history of Scottish football. The result sent shock waves through the sport, marking the first time Rangers had been knocked out in the first round of the Scottish Cup since January 30, 1937, when they lost to Queen of the South. Even more shocking was the fact that it was the first time the club had ever lost to a Second Division side.
The reaction was immediate and visceral. Rangers' captain John Greig labeled it "probably the worst result in the history of our club," while The Scotsman described the outcome as "the most ludicrous, the weirdest, the most astonishing result ever returned in Scottish football."
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Historic Defeat: First first-round exit for Rangers in nearly 30 years and their first loss to a Second Division club.
- Immediate Fallout: Strikers Jim Forrest and George McLean were transferred out shortly after the match.
- Record Transfer: Rangers signed Alex Ferguson from Dunfermline Athletic for a then-record £65,000.
- Career Shifts: Berwick manager Jock Wallace later became the manager of Rangers in 1972.
- European Impact: Rangers reached the European Cup Winners' Cup final that season but lost 1–0 to Bayern Munich.
The Human Cost and Immediate Consequences
In the wake of the loss, the club sought immediate culprits. Despite their records as prolific strikers, Jim Forrest and George McLean were made scapegoats. Neither played for Rangers again, with both being transferred within weeks to Preston North End and Dundee, respectively.
However, this vacuum created opportunities for others. Sandy Jardine was promoted from the reserves to the first team, beginning a tenure that would span 674 games over fifteen years. Additionally, the club broke records to bolster their attack, paying £65,000—the highest fee between two Scottish clubs at the time—to sign striker Alex Ferguson from Dunfermline Athletic.
The drama extended beyond the pitch. In a bizarre turn of events later that night, Berwick's chairman, Dr. James Sadler, and his wife were injured in a car accident involving a vehicle driven by a Rangers supporter. Meanwhile, the goal-scoring hero Sammy Reid returned to his daily life with humbling speed, returning to his job as a gear cutter in an engineering yard the very next Sunday to make up for the training time he had been granted.
Long-term Impact on Scottish Football
The early exit of Rangers is widely believed to have smoothed the path for Celtic to achieve their treble win that year, potentially sowing the seeds for Celtic's dominance throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.
For Berwick, the dream run continued into the second round on February 18, 1967. Playing away at Easter Road against Hibernian in front of nearly 31,000 spectators, Berwick eventually fell 1–0. Despite the loss, they fought hard, with Ken Dowd having a goal disallowed and Jock Wallace making a critical penalty save.
| Person | Role/Connection | Outcome/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Forrest & George McLean | Rangers Strikers | Transferred out as scapegoats |
| Sandy Jardine | Reserve Player | Promoted to first team; played 674 games |
| Alex Ferguson | Dunfermline Striker | Signed for record £65,000 fee |
| Jock Wallace | Berwick Manager | Later became Rangers Manager in 1972 |
| Dave Smith | Rangers Player | Later managed Berwick (1976–1980) |
European Heartbreak and Full-Circle Moments
Rangers' season did not end in total failure; they reached the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup. However, they lost 1–0 to Bayern Munich. Because Forrest and McLean had not been replaced, defender Roger Hynd was forced to play up front. Former player Dave Smith later argued that the "knee jerk reaction" of dropping the two strikers likely cost the club the European trophy.
The intersection of these two clubs continued for years. Jock Wallace, the Berwick manager during the upset, eventually coached at Hearts before joining Rangers and becoming their manager in 1972. Dave Smith, who played for Rangers during the 1967 defeat, later managed Berwick from 1976 to 1980, leading them to their first League championship in 1979.
The narrative came full circle exactly eleven years later during the 1977–78 Scottish Cup. The teams met again at Shielfield, with Smith and Wallace now leading opposite sides. This time, the result followed the expected form, with Rangers winning 4–2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Jim Forrest and George McLean transferred?
Despite being prolific scorers, they were made scapegoats for the shock defeat to Berwick Rangers and were transferred to Preston North End and Dundee shortly after the match.
How did the defeat affect Rangers' European campaign?
Rangers reached the European Cup Winners' Cup final but lost 1–0 to Bayern Munich. Some, including Dave Smith, believe the decision to drop Forrest and McLean left the team weakened, forcing a defender (Roger Hynd) to play as a striker in the final.
Who was the record signing following the match?
Rangers signed striker Alex Ferguson from Dunfermline Athletic for £65,000, which was a record fee between two Scottish clubs at the time.
What happened to Berwick Rangers in the second round?
Berwick played Hibernian at Easter Road on February 18, 1967, losing 1–0 in front of nearly 31,000 fans, despite a disallowed goal and a penalty save by Jock Wallace.
Did the 1967 result influence the wider Scottish league?
It is suggested that Rangers' early exit made it easier for Celtic to win the treble that year and contributed to Celtic's dominance in the late 1960s and early 1970s.