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The Restoration of Rangers Graves Project tribute to Nicol Smith.


The Restoration of Rangers Graves Project tribute to Nicol Smith.


Last night the Restoration of Rangers Graves Project joined a group of fellow Rangers supporters in Darvel to remember Rangers great Nicol Smith whose final resting place we recently restored. We’d like to thank David Herd for leading the tribute with his fine words.


The Restoration of Rangers Graves Project and Nicol Smith Rangers Football Club 1893-1904.


A few weeks ago fellow supporters and friends of the Restoration Project Billy and Alison Fletcher found the final resting place of Rangers great Nicol Smith in Darvel Old Cemetery, sadly the plot was unmarked.


We’re delighted to say that restoration work was carried out and a memorial plaque fitting of the man was placed.



Nicol Smith.

168 Appearances

Four League Titles

Four Scottish Cups

Five Glasgow Cups

Two Glasgow Merchant Charity Cups

One of the Rangers “ Invicibles”.

Rangers Hall of Fame Inductee.


Born in Darvel Nicol Smith played as a fullback for local sides Vale of Irvine, Royal Albert and Darvel, earning junior international selection before joining Rangers in 1893.


He made only two league appearances in his first season at the club, but by 1893-94 he had established himself in the Rangers team, missing just one of the 18 league fixtures. During that season he was also responsible for bringing Alex Smith (who came from the same village but was not a relation) to the club, and the winger went on to become an important member of the side for the next 20 years.


Smith was part of Rangers' first ever Scottish Cup win in 1894, playing in all six games, including the 3–1 final win over Celtic. He formed an effective partnership in the defence alongside Jock Drummond for over a decade.



Smith was also capped at international level, making 12 appearances for Scotland two as captain He also represented the Scottish League times X1 nine times.


In January 1905, aged 31, Smith died from enteric fever illness which also caused his wife's simultaneous death. Nicol had been caring for his dear wife.


His son Jimmy was also a footballer who played as a winger, also for Rangers but primarily for Aberdeen in the 1920s (not to be confused with the Rangers striker of that name in the same era).



Today we remember Nicol Smith.

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