Rangers great Willie Woodburn's forgotten legacy has been revealed in a new biography, Formidable: The Willie Woodburn Story. The book, written by Jeff Holmes, sheds light on Woodburn's achievements and the sinister plot that led to his ban from the game for life in 1954.
What happened?
Woodburn, a member of the fabled Iron Curtain rearguard of the late 1940s and early 1950s, was banned from the game sine die, or for life, by the SFA. The draconian punishment has resulted in his many achievements being overshadowed and his legendary status somewhat diminished in the decades since.
Why it matters for Rangers
Woodburn's story is a reminder of the importance of preserving the history of Scottish football. His achievements on the pitch and his impact on the game off the pitch make him one of the greatest centre-halves in Rangers' history.
What comes next?
The biography, Formidable: The Willie Woodburn Story, is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Rangers and Scottish football. It is a testament to Woodburn's enduring legacy and a reminder of the importance of preserving the stories of football's greatest heroes.
Rangers are currently 2nd in the Premiership, 69 points from 33 games, with a recent form of WLLLL. They are 1 point behind leaders Heart of Midlothian in the title race. The team's last result was a 5-2 win over Falkirk on May 16, 2026. They are currently on a 2-game winning run, with a recent form of 2W-0D-3L (WWLLL). José Cifuentes is currently sidelined.
