William Waddell

Playing career

Waddell was born in Forth, Lanarkshire. As a player, he only played professionally for Rangers in a career spanning both sides of World War II (and including over 200 unofficial matches during the conflict in addition to 317 recognised appearances). He made his debut at the age of 17 in a friendly match against Arsenal and went on to win four League titles and two Scottish Cups as well as playing a large part in other successful cup runs without playing in the finals, and being a member of the Gers team which dominated the wartime competitions. He also earned 18 caps for Scotland (scoring six times) between 1946 and 1954 after playing in eight unofficial wartime matches, and was selected for the Scottish League XI five times.

Managerial career

Waddell became manager of Kilmarnock in 1957. In what was their most prosperous era, the club achieved four runners-up placings in the league under his guidance between 1960 and 1964 and reached three finals (1959–60 Scottish Cup, 1961 League Cup, 1963 League Cup), all of which were lost. Kilmarnock's efforts were finally rewarded with a trophy when the club won their only league championship to date, in 1964–65; this was achieved with a final day victory against their nearest rivals Heart of Midlothian. On leaving Kilmarnock in 1965 Waddell traded the football world for journalism, becoming a sportswriter for the Evening Citizen and Scottish Daily Express. He took charge of Kilmarnock in 389…

Waddell went on to serve Rangers in general manager and vice chairman roles. During Waddell's time as manager, Rangers had suffered the 1971 Ibrox disaster, when 66 fans lost their lives. Waddell was credited with the reconstruction of Ibrox Stadium in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which made it one of the most modern grounds in Europe at the time of his death. He became general manager in 1972, after leaving his role as first-team manager, and latterly took up the role of vice chairman in September 1975. After four years he resigned his position, to be replaced by Lawrence Marlborough, and took up the role of consultant at the club. However, he left this role on 27 June 1981, after Rangers decided not to renew his £15,000-a-year (equivalent to £52,000 in 2015) contract but remained a director of the club until his death.

International appearances

International goals

Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first.

Managerial record

As of 27 November 2013

Playing

Rangers Scottish League Championship: 1938–39, 1946–47, 1948–49, 1952–53 Scottish Cup: 1948–49, 1952–53

Managerial

Kilmarnock Scottish League Championship: 1964–65 Rangers Scottish League Cup: 1970–71 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1971–72