Alex Miller - Rangers FC Legend
Anything But Run of the Miller
Graham Budd Auctions are delighted to showcase a selection of memorabilia from the personal collection of Rangers stalwart Alex Miller as part of our hotly anticipated April Scottish sale.
Joining Rangers in Scotland, he would be a mainstay of the Ibrox scene until 1982, making 309 appearances in defence and scoring 33 goals along the way. He was coached firstly by David White and made his way into the first team picture, playing in the 1970 Scottish League Cup Final and then playing in the 1971 Scottish Cup Final against Old Firm rivals Celtic with, as it turned out, a broken jaw! Such dedication could only ever bring him closer in the hearts and estimations of their loyal fans, and it did.
Sadly, then manager Willie Waddell omitted him from the squad that lifted the 1972 European Cup Winners Cup after using him mainly as a second-choice player. However, the arrival of Jock Wallace saw him brought back into the fold and he played a huge part in the lifting of three League titles, three Scottish Cups (and a further four runners up medals) and five Scottish League Cups to add the collection.
A career in coaching started out in South China before his homeland return saw him take charge of Morton followed by rivals St Mirren. In this managerial role, he guided the team into European competition, giving the Paisley based club an unforgettable night that saw them dispatch Slavia Prague by three goals to nil, moulding a side that would win the 1987 Scottish Cup after his departure.
He went on to win the Cup with Hibs whilst guiding them through what were troubled times for the Edinburgh Club whilst also leading them into the UEFA Cup, as well as the 1993 Scottish League Cup Final. A spell as assistant to Gordon Strachan at Coventry City was followed by him taking the reigns in the granite City at Aberdeen. He then accepted the invitation Of Gerard Houllier to become Director of Scouting at Liverpool and continued his work under Rafa Benitez, before playing a huge part in the Reds winning both the Champions League in 2005 and FA Cup in 2006 as coach.
Further spells abroad as manager in China, Sweden and Russia saw him eventually head once more back to Scotland, once again with St Mirren. An incredible career!
We are honoured to auction these items from the personal collection of someone who epitomised club loyalty as a player and was respected as a coach by all he worked for and with.
Browse the Alex Miller Collection here.
Listen to our latest episode of The Odd Lot podcast featuring Alex Miller.
