He was destined for Parkhead, WWII, and World War I: Rangers legend demands Terry Hurlock’s perseverance

During his five years as manager of the Rangers, the team he grew up idolizing in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Graeme Souness experienced many memorable Parkhead Old Firm matches with Celtic.

Still, he remembers one of them, along with a single performance by a certain player.

He still remembers clearly the excellent performance that tough-tackling English midfielder Terry Hurlock gave him in a pivotal league game in Glasgow’s East End during the 1990–91 season.

Hurlock’s intervention brought the match back to a draw in the second half after Celtic center back Paul Elliott had cancelled out Rangers striker Mo Johnston’s early goal just before halftime.

The 52,565-person crowd’s home fans demanded that the former Millwall player be given a free kick and given a red card after he sent Stevie Fulton crashing to the ground with one of his characteristically forceful challenges.

However, the £375,000 summer did not wait to find out what would happen to him; he sent the ball forward fast enough to find Ally McCoist, who wrapped around Pat Bonner to put the visitors ahead once more.

When the furious throng rose up in protest, Fulton stood up and was immediately arrested for disobedience.

With the goal, Souness’s squad defeated Billy McNeill’s team 2-1 and went on to seize the lead in the top flight table. The following year, after manager Walter Smith took over, they won the league for the third time in a row.

However, the Scotland great believes that in order to win at a stadium where their supporters will once more be barred, James Tavernier and his teammates must exhibit precisely the same level of perseverance and creativity as his former enforcer.

In response to a question about his best Parkhead game memory ahead of this weekend’s huge match between the bitter rivals, he remarked, “I wasn’t playing in it, but I think we went there and won quite well.”

“I recall Terry Hurlock playing fantastically in midfield for us. Terry was destined for Parkhead, World War I, and World War II.He was a beautiful ball striker and an extremely talented player.Despite his reputation as a harsh guy, he was an excellent football player.

“I have memories of performing at Parkhead and Ibrox. Alright, when I returned to play here, I was already past my prime.However, playing these games is never simple. They are hardy.Rangers must contend with the fact that Celtic will get off to an explosive start.

Souness, who received the PFA Scotland Special Merit award on Sunday night at a ceremony in Glasgow, thought Rangers performed admirably on their previous visit to Parkhead in December, despite losing 2-1 at the conclusion of the 90 minutes.

He believes that after that performance, Ibrox manager Philippe Clement would have a far better idea of what to anticipate. With three games left, his team are three points behind the defending champions and absolutely need to win to maintain their ambitions of finishing in first place.

“In his brief tenure at the Rangers, I believe he has handled himself brilliantly,” he remarked. “He is aware of the difficulties ahead of him because he has already visited Parkhead. They seemed a little unlucky in the game, in my opinion. Even though they were eventually down to 10 men, they still had a chance to win the match.

“This goes beyond this weekend. This is a significant step toward crossing the line in the league, which is the goal. Errors might still occur in other places. Title winning is not an easy feat.

Since Steven Gerrard won the championship a few years ago, Celtic has been the side to beat. Rangers are undoubtedly the underdog, but they have their sandpaper thin.

“They need to address that and move forward. They must pay attention, avoid becoming distracted by anything, and show up to play on the designated day.

“The teams have previously competed against one another to determine the winner.In football, anything can happen, but this is another important Old Firm encounter that could ultimately determine the winner.

Souness, who won three European Cups and five English titles during his time at Liverpool and made 52 appearances for his country, was moved to get recognition from his fellow professionals this past weekend.

“I haven’t managed or played for Scotland in a very long time,” he remarked. Therefore, it is special to be acknowledged after all this time.I’ve had the incredible fortune to be a part of winning teams that took home numerous trophies.Individual recognition, however, is different, and I’m happy about it.

“I adore visiting Glasgow and returning to Scotland.I don’t come here thinking, “Oh, I’d better be careful where I go,” because I feel so welcome.No, I’m from Edinburgh, and whenever I visit Glasgow, I always receive a warm welcome. Maybe it’s because I’m an elderly guy now.”

An abundance of warmth?Even from supporters of Celtics?

He replied, “No, I wouldn’t go that far.” “But listen, people are really passionate about football, especially in this city.”I have long since come to terms with that.

In order to win the crucial Premiership match at Parkhead on Saturday, the current Rangers players will have to put up with the hostile environment that the Celtic fans will create. However, Graeme Souness believes that anything is possible if they can show the same perseverance as their predecessor Terry Hurlock.