Willie Thornton

Who was Willie Thornton?

William Thornton MM was a Scottish footballer and manager. His entire senior playing career was spent with Rangers, and he is considered to be one of the greatest players in the club's history. He served in World War II in the Scottish Horse winning the Military Medal for his bravery.

Thornton played for Rangers from 1936 to 1954, then became a manager with first Dundee and then Partick Thistle. He later returned to Rangers as assistant to Davie White in the summer of 1968 and was briefly caretaker manager in 1969 after White's dismissal. Thornton then worked as assistant to William Waddell until 1972. The side won the two matches that he took charge. Thornton is one of Scotland's all time top scorers, with 139 League goals.

He died in August 1991 at the age of 71.