ABOUT US
The Founders Trail
About Us
IIt was a spark of curiosity that first led my colleague Gordon Bell and me to explore the story of our Founders. That curiosity was born in childhood, from reading Rangers books whose authors always seemed in a hurry to move past what we felt was the most important part—the story of the lads who actually formed our Club.
We often found ourselves wondering: Where did these boys live? What became of them? Did they build careers, start families, stay in Glasgow once their playing days were over? These questions stayed with us, and in 2007 we finally set out to uncover the answers.
It wasn’t long before our path crossed with journalist Gary Ralston, who was researching the same remarkable story. His work culminated in The Gallant Pioneers 1872, published in 2009.
As more and more locations connected to our Founders began to emerge across Glasgow, we received requests to take supporters on guided visits—and from that, the Founders Trail was born. Our very first attempt took place on foot on 9 August 2009, and although it quickly descended into chaos after a refreshment break in a West End pub, it showed us there was a real appetite for this journey.
The next logical step was to take the Trail around Glasgow by coach. In early 2010 we approached the Club, and the Ibrox Stadium Tour was added to the Founders Trail experience.
Since 2009, more than nine thousand people have followed in the footsteps of those young lads who created our unique Club—from Fleshers Haugh all the way to Ibrox Stadium.
What you experience on the Trail is the result of years of research—research that continues to this day. Every detail we share is checked, and checked again, to ensure accuracy. Our aim is simple: to celebrate our history and promote the Club in every way we can.
The Founders Trail is completely self‑funding. Everything we do—the bus hire, the literature you receive, and the ongoing research—is made possible by the incredible support we’ve received from you, the Rangers support. Demand for the Trail continues to grow, and we are deeply grateful that you allow us to share the Rangers story with you.
When you purchase a seat on the Founders Trail or buy merchandise, you not only help us tell this story—you also help put funds back into the Club. Your support contributes directly to:
• Ibrox Stadium Tours • Rangers Lottery • Youth Members Club • Auchenhowie Brick • Donations to the Rangers Youth Development Company
The Founders Trail and Ibrox Stadium Tour are proud to run in association with Rangers Football Club and the Rangers Youth Development Company.