Jackie Ferguson, the Ayr United great who scored the winning goal in the club's most famous victory, has died at the age of 81 after a battle with dementia. His death on Saturday has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and former teammates.
Scored in Ayr's Greatest Victory
Ferguson etched his name into club folklore on September 13, 1969, when he scored the second goal in Ayr United's 2-1 win over Rangers at Somerset Park. The match, played before a record crowd of 25,225, is widely regarded as the greatest ever at the stadium. Ferguson outpaced Rangers legend John Greig to head home after just 14 minutes, following an early goal from his great friend Cutty Young. Rangers pulled one back through Colin Stein almost on the final whistle, but Ayr held on for a result that stunned Scottish football.
Key Role in Return to Top Flight
Ferguson's heroics came just two weeks after he scored Ayr United's first goal in their return to the top flight. Signed by manager Ally MacLeod from Southend United, after spells with Morton, Clyde and Airdrie, Ferguson got Ayr off to a flying start in the old First Division. He netted a quick opener in a 3-0 win over Hibernian, with further goals from Bobby Rough and Alex Ingram.
Ferguson also played a key role as part-time Ayr forced Celtic to a replay in two titanic League Cup semi-finals at Hampden the following month. A 3-3 draw was followed by a narrow 2-1 defeat.
Legacy and Later Life
In 2020, Ferguson was shortlisted in Airdrie's greatest ever 11 for midfield. He and Cutty Young were frequent visitors back to Somerset Park as part of the Ayr United former players club, where fans loved to hear their tales of a golden era.
Ayr United also lost another former player last week with the death of Mike Larnach at the age of 73. The striker was signed by Willie McLean from Motherwell in 1981 and scored eight goals in 49 appearances. He made his name as a prolific marksman with Clydebank, which earned him a big-money move to Newcastle United in 1977.
