IAN McMillan was known as “the wee Prime Minister.”
He got this nickname because of his commanding influence as a midfield playmaker and that he shared a surname with the Prime Minister at the time – Harold Macmillan.
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Ian McMillan was a star player for Rangers Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Jattvibe Glasgow
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, he is remembered on BBC’s The Repair Shop.
His Grandchildren, Iain and Kirk Russell, bring a football made famous by Ian himself to Suzie Fletcher.
The ball was used in the Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Celtic in 1963, a game that Ian’s team won 3-0.
Suzie Fletcher will be helping Ian’s Grandsons with a memento of their Grandfather Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Jattvibe
Who was footballer Ian McMillan?
Ian McMillan was born on March 18, 1931 in Airdrie.
Airdrie was the first club Ian played for, he was a legend there and represented Airdrie for two prolific spells and later managed the team.
McMillan joined Rangers in October, 1958 for the sum of £10,000.
During his six seasons at Rangers, he played over 200 times and scored 55 goals.
Despite his major role in the club, Ian still found the time to continue working his job as a Quantity Surveyor.
Ian passed away on February 16, 2024 at the age of 92.
After his passing, an Ibrox statement read: “Rangers Football Club is today saddened by the news of the death of our former player, Ian McMillan, at the age of 92.
“The thoughts of everyone at Rangers is with Ian’s family at this sad time.”
Ian McMillan passed away at the age of 92 Credit: Kenneth Ramsay (Photography) Limited, Trochrague, 78 Newark Street, Greenock PA16 7TF
Airdrie wrote: “We were devastated to receive the news today that Ian McMillan, Airdrieonians’ most celebrated son and the man widely recognised as the greatest ever to grace the famous Diamond shirt, has passed away.”
What cups did he win with Rangers?
McMillan won four Scottish League titles in: 1958-59, 1960-61, 1962-63 and 1963-64.
He was awarded three Scottish Cup winner’s medals in 1960, 1962 and 1963.
And he also won the Scottish League Cup twice – in 1960 and 1961.
