THE FOOTBALL world has united in mourning after Rangers confirmed the death of legendary keeper Andy Goram.
Goram - affectionately known as The Goalie - passed away aged 58 after a short battle with cancer.
Rangers communicated the sad news this afternoon prompting an outpouring of tributes from football clubs, former team-mates and opposition players.
Ibrox chiefs paid tribute to the icon - who was voted the Greatest Rangers Goalkeeper of all time - with a statement confirming the news. A short video with highlights of Goram's career was also shared by the club.
A statement read: "Rangers Football Club are today deeply saddened to announce the death of our legendary goalkeeper, Andy Goram, following a short battle with cancer.
"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.
Andy Goram. 1964-2022 💙 The Goalie pic.twitter.com/6HouAgSche
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 2, 2022
"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."
Motherwell chairman Jim McMahon paid tribute to "true great of our game" Goram, saying: “Everyone at Motherwell, and the broad Scottish football family, will mourn the loss of a true great of our game.
“He was a larger-than-life character both on and off the field, but his ability as a goalkeeper was second to none. His contribution at Motherwell will obviously be overshadowed by his time at other clubs, but he was a big presence Fir Park for the two years he was here.
“The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Motherwell FC are with Andy’s family and close friends at this very sad time.”
Manchester United hero Gary Neville, who briefly played alongside Goram, tweeted: "Terribly sad news about Andy Goram. RIP Andy. Love to all your family"
Dunfermline added: "Everyone at #DAFC is saddened to learn the passing of Andy Goram.
"Andy joined the club as goalkeeping coach in 2015 and was a hugely popular figure during his spell at East End Park.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."
A Hamilton tribute read: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of goalkeeping great Andy Goram. Andy was our ‘keeper in the opening league match at NDP in August 2001 v Queen of the South. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time"
Queen of the South paid tribute with a statement, which read: "Everyone at Queen of the South is deeply saddened to hear of the death of former goalkeeper Andy Goram. Andy had fought a short and courageous battle with cancer.
"'The Goalie' spent a single season with Queen of the South in 2002/03 at the end of his career, under John Connolly. This was a successful time for the club in its first season back in division 1 and Goram was infamously at the heart of things, as 'Social Convenor' as the club won the Bells Cup, beating Brechin City 2-0 in the final. That achievement saw Goram become the first player to complete the full set of Cup medals in Scotland.
"Goram will forever be synonymous with Rangers FC but also stared for Hibs, Motherwell and many others in his illustrious career. He won 43 Scotland caps and is rightly regarded as one of Scotland's greatest ever goalkeepers.
"Rest in peace Goalie."
A Scottish FA tribute added: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of legendary Scotland goalkeeper, Andy Goram.
"The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with Andy's family and friends at this time."
Hibs added: "Everyone at Hibernian FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Goram following a short battle with cancer."
Celtic hero 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."
