SFA ‘pygmies’ and a Special Branch warning: Graeme Souness on his Rangers revolution

Former Rangers player-manager Graeme Souness has reflected on his tumultuous relationship with the Scottish Football Association and his historic tenure at Ibrox to mark the 40th anniversary of his appointment. Promoting his new book co-written with Chick Young, Souness criticized the Scottish governing body officials of the era, describing them as "pygmies" who continually obstructed the club during his transformative time in Glasgow.

Souness detailed his landmark signings, including ending the club's sectarian transfer traditions by signing Maurice Johnston, as well as the influential arrival of Terry Butcher. He cited a combination of media scrutiny and friction with football authorities, including a two-year touchline ban from the SFA, as primary reasons for his departure to Liverpool in 1991.