Tributes paid after death of Rangers legend Johnny Hubbard aged 87

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Rangers winger Johnny Hubbard, who has died at the age of 87.

Known as The Penalty King, Hubbard made 238 appearances for the club between 1949 and 1959.

And many years on from calling time to his playing career, he remained a regular visitor to Ibrox to take in games.

Everyone at #RangersFC sends their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Johnny Hubbard after the former Light Blues winger passed away peacefully today at the age of 87: https://t.co/6EEsvL59t2 pic.twitter.com/gz2RqhsOxj

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 21, 2018

Chairman Dave King said on the club’s website: “All of us at Rangers are deeply saddened by the news that Mr Hubbard has passed away. He was an inspirational player for Rangers and was also one of our most passionate supporters.

“Mr Hubbard wasn’t just a great Ranger, he was also a wonderful person. He was a gentleman and will be missed terribly by everyone connected with our club.

“Our thoughts and our sympathies go to Mr Hubbard’s family but perhaps they may take some comfort in knowing he is a genuine Rangers legend.”

Rangers fans group Club 1872 said: “Very sad to hear of the passing of a true Rangers legend, Johnny Hubbard.

“A wonderful footballer and a great man who regaled us with fantastic stories at the C1872 launch.

“Our thoughts are with his friends and family.”

https://twitter.com/Smiffy55SG/status/1009743734727151618

Hubbard joined Rangers having emigrated from South Africa.

He racked up records during the time at the club, and incredibly missed just three of the 68 penalties he took.

He is also the last Rangers player to score a hat-trick against Celtic in the league, back in 1955.

Fans have taken to social media to pay their own tributes.

Jamie McInall wrote: “Really sad news about Johnny Hubbard, met him a few times a various charity dinners and roaming the Members lounge at Ibrox, he was a great man and had some superb stories.”

RIP Johnny Hubbard ? pic.twitter.com/rVlWDJx1V5

— Birmingham RSC (@RSCBirmingham) June 21, 2018

Jordan Campbell said: “Really horrible news about Johnny Hubbard passing away. My granda raves about him as a player but he seemed to be a lovely man off the pitch too.

“His video describing what it takes to be a Ranger is brilliant and shows how much he loved the club after coming from SA. A sad day.”

And Andrew Dickson tweeted: “Extremely sad to hear Johnny Hubbard has passed away. Can’t claim to have known him well at all but he was a gent on the occasions our paths did cross. A true legend in every sense, for RFC and beyond. Thinking of those closest to him, RIP.”

Hubbard also played for Bury, who Rangers face in a pre-season friendly on July 6, and Ayr United.