Rangers legend Ally Dawson passes away aged 63

His family said in a statement:

"It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Ally Dawson following a long battle with illness.

"To us, Ally was a loving husband, father, son and brother but we know he meant a lot to so many others.

"We will remember the impact he had on our family with affection, inspired by the courage with which he fought his illness and the way he lived his life, and grateful that Ally spent his final days with those he loved and who loved him."

Dawson

signed for

at the age of 16 in 1975 and made 315 appearances over his 12-year spell at Ibrox before leaving to join

in 1987.

The defender lifted four League Cup and two Scottish Cup, and he was inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame in 2011.

Rangers said they were "extremely saddened" to hear of their former player's death.

"The thoughts of the directors, staff and players of Rangers are today with the family and friends of Ally,"

the club added in a

.

Dawson was a founder member of the charity Street Soccer Scotland and led Scotland to the Homeless World Cup glory in 2011.

David Duke

, founder, and chief executive of Street Soccer Scotland, said

: "The Street Soccer family is deeply saddened by Ally's passing.

"We have all lost a father figure and a brilliant man, whose positive impact on those he supported will never be forgotten.

"Ally was humble, kind-hearted and gifted. There are many Street Soccer people today who have lost a great friend and mentor and somebody who changed their lives for the better, and our thoughts are with Ally's family and friends at this difficult time.

"In due course, we will consider how best to reflect Ally's legacy in Street Soccer Scotland, but for now we are all reflecting on a profound contribution to our collective journey and missing Ally immensely."

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