Glasgow Rangers fans celebrate launch of new 55 book

After a difficult decade, pulling themselves back from administration to the highs of a new sought-after manager in the form of Steven Gerrard, Rangers followers had waited for the moment they could claim the coveted 55th title.

Yet, when the moment came, the world was in the midst of a global shutdown leaving Ibrox silent as the team made their mark on history – except for one loan cheer.

Chris Jack, the Glasgow Times Rangers writer, was one of the very few people allowed inside the South Side stadium as the Gers cinched their season win earlier this year.

A lifelong Rangers fan, Chris was given a front-row street most supporters could only have dreamed of.

Now, he takes fans inside that moment and how the team pulled themselves back from potential collapse to champions in his new book, Going for 55.

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He said: “I grew up with Rangers fans. It’s always been my ambition to be the Rangers reporter for the Glasgow Times and The Herald.

“I’m basically the only dedicated Rangers reporter in the world – everybody else dips in and out – so, I’m really proud and privileged to be in that position, especially during such an unusual season.

“Getting to be at games when no one else could be, you’re sat thinking ‘Ibrox should be bouncing’.”

He added: “It’s really quite strange. Something that was just such a huge occasion and should’ve been a huge moment couldn’t have the backdrop that it deserved.”

Chris, like many fans across the country, had his fate decided for him at birth.

Born into a “Rangers family” in Carluke, he grew up watching in awe as the Light Blues took to the field at Ibrox.

While many young lads dream of donning a jersey themselves one day, he knew his goal was to write and hoped he would find himself in Times Towers as the official Rangers reporter.

However, even he didn’t think he’d one day have the “surreal” experience of sharing his unique view of the team’s win.

His new book will take fans through every heart-breaking and joyous moment leading up to the incredible victory, with key analysis from Chris.

“It’s not just a collection of 38 match reports I’ve already written,” he said.

“There’s a chapter looking at the regime change in 2015 and the new board coming in – that was a seismic moment for the team.

“I look at the Ibrox disaster because it was the 50th anniversary this year. People know how the season unfolded so, it’s trying to give them more insight into how those moments came about.”

It was around midway through the season the veteran writer knew his team had a chance to claim the victory and the idea of a book came to mind.

However, having never written one before, Chris wasn’t sure if it was the right move until everything “fell into place” earlier this year.

He said: “At the start of the year, it looked quite certain Rangers were going to win the title and I was approached by Polaris Publishing to write a book so, I thought let’s just go for it.

“Towards the end of the season, doing proper stuff for the paper and 100,000 words on top of it was a lot.

“It did take a few late nights and a few stressful nights, but I’m really pleased with it. I hope Rangers fans like it.”

He added: “In 10 years’ time, fans can look back, and hopefully, it will be this nice moment to remember how significant it was.”

To celebrate its launch, Chris joined superfan Brian Matthews at Oswald’s Bar for a “late party” in the city centre earlier today alongside Rangers royalty Alex Rae, Mark Hateley, John Gilligan, and Gordon Smith.

Brian said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s been a hard time with the bar being closed, especially during 55, so we’re trying to have a late party if you like, and it’s great to have the book in.

“The book’s exceptional.”

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Dave King, the club’s former chairman, has also thrown his support behind the book and written the foreword.

He wrote: “Winning the title is the fulfilment of a dream and the end of an era for me and Chris has asked me to touch on my recollections of the past few years in the introduction.”

He added: “What a great time to be a Rangers fan following the terrible moments we have endured for so many years.

“Every single Rangers supporter has suffered and every single supporter will be aware of what it has taken to restore our club to the pinnacle of Scottish football.

“We can all rejoice at this significant moment in our history- not only for winning the title but for the resilience that we have all shown to get to this point.”

Going for 55 can be found on Amazon or in bookstores for £17.99.