One of the cult heroes of the 1980s, Ted McMinn was only on Rangers' books for two-and-a-half seasons, yet he still managed to cram a multitude of memories into that short timeframe.
Born and raised in Castle Douglas, Ted, born Kevin McMinn but christened 'Ted' in his younger days as he was rarely seen without his trusty teddy bear, was actually rejected by John Greig's administration after an unsuccessful trial at Ibrox. However, after a series of fine performances for his local side, Queen of the South, he caught the eye of Greig's replacement in the Ibrox hotseat, Jock Wallace, and signed for Rangers in October 1984 for a fee of £200, 000.
Ted's style of play was somewhat unorthodox. His ungainly gait meant that he didn't quite fit the winger stereotype, but although not blessed with the skill of his Ibrox colleague Davie Cooper, McMinn could still wreak havoc on the flanks courtesy of his direct running style. His endeavour earned him a place in the affections of the Rangers followers and he soon joined a long line of wingers that had been worshipped from the Ibrox terraces.
He made his debut just a few days after signing, coming off the bench to replace Ally McCoist in a league fixture against St Mirren at Love Street. His first goal arrived in January 1985 when he took advantage of the blustery conditions at Boghead to score directly from a corner in a 4-2 win against Dumbarton. He made a total of twenty appearances in his debut season, but ended it empty-handed. Rangers finished fourth in the league and were eliminated from the Scottish Cup by Dundee. They did win the League Cup, but McMinn was forced to sit out the Final against Dundee United as he was cup-tied after playing in an earlier round for Queen of the South.
Ted would have to wait until October 1986 to claim a winners' medal when he recovered from a broken foot to play against Celtic in the League Cup Final at Hampden. McMinn actually enjoyed a fantastic record in Old Firm matches, only tasting defeat twice in eight appearances, and it was in one of his last matches against Celtic that Ted delivered arguably his finest display in a Rangers jersey. He teased and tormented Celtic's young full-back Derek Whyte on several occasions as Rangers ran out 1-0 winners at Ibrox in the opening Old Firm fixture of the 1986/87 season. Indeed, McMinn made such an impact that Whyte was replaced by the more experienced Murdo McLeod for the Final at Hampden. Ted, who had netted the winning goal in the semi-final against Dundee United, still managed to gain the upper hand, though, and helped Rangers to secure the silverware courtesy of a 2-1 win.
The League Cup Final would prove to be one of Ted's last appearances for Rangers. He was frequently at loggerheads with the Rangers manager Graeme Souness, and after breaking a curfew at a club function to celebrate a 2-0 win over Celtic in January 1987, McMinn was suspended for two weeks by the club. He never tugged a blue jersey over his head again, as during his suspension a deal was brokered with Spanish side Seville, managed by Jock Wallace, and after making seventy-five appearances for Rangers, Ted bid 'adios' to Glasgow to move to the city famous for its orange crop.
He later returned to the UK to play for Derby County, Birmingham City and Burnley before hanging up his boots after a spell in Australia. (Alistair Aird, Author of Ally McCoist - Portrait of a Hero)