George Best and the Hong Kong Rangers: A Footballing Odyssey

6,000 miles from Glasgow, on the shores of Gin Drinkers Bay, a football team plays with a familiar crest—the light blue shirts of Hong Kong Rangers, bearing the iconic 'RFC' badge. This is a story of a Glaswegian visionary, legendary footballers, and an unlikely footballing empire built far from home.

The Founding Father: Ian Petrie

The story begins with Ian Petrie, a Glasgow-born entrepreneur who had a dream: to bring Western football to Asia. In 1958, he founded Hong Kong Rangers, and over the next 24 years, guided the team to the pinnacle of Hong Kong football, a testament to his vision and dedication. He became famous in Hong Kong, though not necessarily universally popular, as evidenced by Derek Currie's comments in the South China Morning Post. Petrie, in his quest to elevate the standard of the team, began to attract talented western players, revolutionizing Asian football.

Early Successes and the Scottish Influx

After a decade of moderate success, Petrie placed advertisements in Scotland, calling for professional players to test their luck in the Far East. Three Glaswegians, Derek Currie, Jackie Trainer, and Walter Gerrard, answered this daring call, creating a wave of Scottish talent that would transform the club. Their impact was immediate; the team secured a historic double in their first season, cementing the success of Petrie's ambitious recruitment strategy. This success paved the way for other British stars, including prominent Glasgow Rangers players like Willie Henderson (with over 400 appearances for the Ibrox club), Jim Forrest, and Alex Willoughby, demonstrating the significant influence of Scottish football on the club's identity and performance.

A Golden Decade and a Notable Relegation

The club's golden era culminated in a victory in the 1975 Hong Kong Senior Challenge Shield, Hong Kong's most prestigious knockout competition. However, despite remarkable success, 1978 saw Hong Kong Rangers face relegation to the Second Division. This setback did not deter Petrie. Following a temporary departure, he returned in 1980 as both owner and manager. The 1980s witnessed a fresh influx of Western talent. This period saw a fascinating rivalry emerge, as England’s World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore joined Rangers’ rivals, Eastern, bringing with him fellow World Cup winner Alan Ball, adding another layer to the growing international character of Hong Kong football.

The Arrival of a Legend: George Best in Hong Kong

To counter this move, Hong Kong Rangers made a truly sensational signing: George Best. The Manchester United legend, winner of the European Cup and Ballon d'Or at just 22 years old in 1968, joined the club after a career that had already taken him across the globe. At 35, after playing for Hibernian and the San Jose Earthquakes, Best, in what was his ninth club after leaving Manchester United, joined the Hong Kong Rangers. He played a single match for the team, showcasing his talent one last time. While in Hong Kong, Best was known for his off-field activities as well. He spent his spare time playing darts, forming a team named 'Presstuds' with fellow footballers and sports journalists, providing an insight into his personality beyond the football pitch. Before returning to play for Bournemouth in Britain, Best added the Hong Kong Rangers chapter to his remarkable football career. This is further evidence of the club's increasing global appeal and remarkable legacy.

A Modern Partnership and a Lasting Legacy

Hong Kong Rangers continues to compete in Hong Kong's top division. In June 2022, a partnership was announced between Hong Kong Rangers and Glasgow Rangers. This collaboration involves the exchange of coaching expertise, with Rangers sending coaches to Hong Kong for training sessions and providing Hong Kong Rangers teams with opportunities to visit Scotland and experience the Rangers Soccer Academy. This partnership highlights the enduring bond between the two clubs and symbolizes the global reach of the beautiful game. The legacy of Ian Petrie, the visionary founder who passed away in Glasgow in 2006 at the age of 73, continues to inspire and impact the football world. The legacy of Hong Kong Rangers stands as a testament to the power of football to bridge geographical divides and connect communities. The club's story is a compelling blend of sporting achievement, cross-cultural exchange, and the enduring spirit of the game, a fascinating tale that resonates far beyond the pitches of Gin Drinkers Bay.