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Bill Struth strived to meet the standards that had been set under the previous management of William Wilton. He joined the club in 1914 as a trainer and inherited the manager's job after the tragic death of Wilton which he then held from 1920 to 1954.
Struth was born in Edinburgh and as a young man was a professional runner. This made him perfect for the job of trainer which he first held firstly at Clyde FC in 1908 before joining Rangers in 1914. At Rangers he formed a winning partnership with Wilton.
In 1920 he was appointed manager and over the next 34 years had an astonishing level of success. Although he won a total of 18 league championships his proudest moment must have been the 1929-30 season when Rangers won every competition entered - Scottish Cup, League Championship, Reserve League, Reserve Cup, Glasgow Cup and Glasgow Charity Cup.
Struth was famed as a strict disciplinarian; any player who did not heed his warnings was likely to be sold. He also ensured that the players acted like ambassadors for the club, when out they were expected to be immaculately dressed and seated in the finest seats in the house.
In 1947 Struth became director-manager of the club, retired as manager and became vice-chairman in the summer of 1954, and died on 21 September 1956 at the age of 81. He lies buried in Craigton Cemetery in Glasgow.
Bill Struth's belief in fair play continues to live on in the club today, as does his saying that "no man is bigger than the club." The men who came after him would struggle to match his very high standards. He would be replaced by Scot Symon.
