WILLIAM MCNEIL

Craigton Cemetery

William McNeil
1852 - 1908

Willie had a long association with the Rangers and was the older brother of founders Moses and Peter.

Famous for the story of Rangers first football when he was gifted a ball by a John McDonald the man who employed his father at Belmore House which is now part of the Faslane Naval Base. Willie actually found his age being brought into question, he was the grand old age of 19,which led to him storming off from Fleshers Haugh uttering that immortal line, “Well if I’m no playing neither is ma baw”. Willie then demanded payment for his ball which according to a recently discovered profile was handed over by William McBeath.