Rangers football legend Andy Goram has died after a short battle with oesophageal cancer. He died at St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie, Lanarkshire earlier today.
The club confirmed the devastating news in a statement online. It said: "Goram, 58, made 260 appearances for Gers between 1991 and 1998. In that time, he won five league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups.
"His performances in the inaugural UEFA Champions League in 1992/93 were outstanding, as Gers defeated English champions Leeds United to qualify for the tournament, before coming within a whisker of reaching the final. Goram was also something of an Old Firm specialist, and as the decade progressed and clashes between the two became more and more important, he was often the difference between the two sides with some astonishing saves.
Read more: Northern Ireland mum's tribute to son who died in swimming pool incident on holiday
"In a 1999 supporters’ poll, he was voted the Greatest Rangers Goalkeeper of all time, and after retirement, was still a regular face around Ibrox on matchdays and still wowed the crowd with some memorable appearances in legends teams. Born in Bury, Goram began his career at Oldham Athletic before moving north to play with distinction for Hibernian from 1987 to 1991 prior to his big move to Ibrox.
"After Rangers, he was to feature for Notts County, Sheffield United, Motherwell for three seasons, Manchester United, where he helped the Red Devils claim the Premier League in 2001; Hamilton Accies, Coventry, another spell at Oldham, Queen of the South and then lastly Elgin City. Indeed, his spell at Palmerston with Queens saw him become the first player to complete the set of Scottish medals when he claimed a Challenge Cup medal to go alongside winners’ prizes in the Scottish top flight, Scottish Cup and League Cup.
"Internationally, Goram won 43 caps for Scotland and was the first-choice goalkeeper for both Euro 92 and Euro 96 in Sweden and England respectively for the Scots. He is a member of the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, and was named both the Scottish PFA and Football Writers’ Player of the Year in 1992/93 – arguably the strongest campaign in Rangers’ history.
"Goram also won international caps for Scotland as a cricketer, and remains the only person to have played a first-class international match at cricket as well as a major international football match for Scotland. The thoughts of the directors, management, players and staff are today with Andy’s family, and would ask that their privacy is respected at this sad time. Funeral details will be communicated in due course."
Born in Bury, Goram began his career at Oldham Athletic before moving north of the Border to play with for Hibs in 1987 prior to signing for the Light Blues. He also had spells at Notts County, Sheffield United, Motherwell for three seasons, Manchester United, where he helped the Red Devils claim the Premier League in 2001.
Goram played in goal for Hamilton Accies, Coventry, another spell at Oldham, Queen of the South and then lastly Elgin City. During his time at Queens , he became the first player to complete the set of Scottish medals when he claimed a Challenge Cup medal to go alongside winners’ prizes in the Scottish top flight, Scottish Cup and League Cup.
Goram won 43 caps for Scotland and was the first-choice goalkeeper for both Euro 92 and Euro 96 in Sweden and England respectively for the Scots. He is a member of the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, and was named both the Scottish PFA and Football Writers’ Player of the Year in 1992/93 – arguably the strongest campaign in Rangers’ history.
Goram also played cricket for Scotland and remains the only person to have played a first-class international match at cricket as well as a major international football match for Scotland. Goram - nicknamed The Goalie - had spent the last few weeks in St Andrew’s after becoming too ill to be treated at home.
The ex Scotland star had been diagnosed with Stage Four cancer after thinking he was suffering from indigestion. He told the Record doctors had given him just six months to live in April.
However his condition worsened quicker than specialists predicted and he passed away surrounded by family and friends shortly before midday. Goram organised his own funeral days before he died.
Friends say he also spent hours reliving highlights of his glittering career with former teammates and rivals including ex Gers defender John Brown and former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie. The former Ibrox keeper, nicknamed 'The Goalie' during his playing days, was a hero of the club's Nine In A Row years during his time in Govan between 1991 and 1998.
He left Rangers in 1998 but continued to play top flight football for five more years. Goram’s life was often surrounded by controversy and he walked out of Scotland’s World Cup squad in France 1998 when he was told he would be back-up to Jim Leighton.
He was also forced to deny he was a bigot when he faced criticism over his strong links in Northern Ireland. Goram told the Record he had always been proud of his relationship with fans in the province and had never condoned violence and sectarianism.
He also battled alcoholism and credited close pal and teammate John Brown - nicknamed Bomber- with helping him conquer his addiction. He told the Record last month: “Bomber saved my life, there’s no doubt about that.”
Former Scotland teammate Colin Hendry tweeted "rest in peace my friend" while former Celtic striker Chris Sutton said: "Really sad news to hear of the passing of Andy Goram. Taken far too young. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Ex-Rangers striker Nacho Novo described Goram as a "legend", while former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville tweeted: "Terribly sad news about Andy Goram. RIP Andy. Love to all your family."
Former Rangers star Gordon Smith told Sky: "I saw him 10 days ago. I was at a function in Airdrie near the hospice where he was being looked after and we were all amazed when he came through the doors with his son.
“And he actually recalled a game between us when he was at Oldham and I was at Manchester City and he was delighted to save my penalty that night. It was the only penalty I missed in my career.
“Not only was he a very talented guy – without doubt one of the best goalkeepers of all time – but also a great character."
David Robertson, Goram's friend and Nine In A Row team-mate, said: "RIP Goalie. You were simply the best."
READ NEXT:
Irish girl, 7, dies in hospital after swimming pool incident in Majorca
Damian Casey vigil attended by hundreds as tragic Tyrone GAA star is remembered by club
Tributes paid to five-year-old 'angel' Jack who died suddenly
Tributes at Belfast funeral for "perfect" toddler Freddie Briggs who drowned in Spain tragedy
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
