Greatness comes from humble beginnings. That certainly is the case with Rangers captain Lee McCulloch.
He started off as a hard-working youth that exceeded expectations and ended with as a captain for one of the world’s most famous clubs, a team he supported his entire life. It is a lengthy journey that included time with Motherwell, the Scottish National Team, EPL side Wigan Athletic, and of course Rangers.
Simp-Lee the Best: My Autobiography by Lee McCulloch is a footballing treasure. It offers a rare glimpse into a special club, which still felt like a family and a community despite winning SPL titles and having enormous success in Europe.
The book offered all kinds of turning points and defining moments. One came when his gaffer gave him some very important advice:
“Don’t be the guy in the pub shouting at the telly. Be the guy on the telly getting shouted at.”
McCulloch becomes the footballing everyman that inspires others to be better, one that has led an honest and impressive career that has pitted him against the world’s best. He is a hero for the common man and the loyal supporter.
His story is that of a rollercoaster, lots of highs and quite a few lows. Taking SPL titles out of the hands of Celtic is clearly good, while the legendary club going into administration is obviously bad. Getting to wear the colors of his country and being named captain at Rangers were obvious milestones, along with the opportunity to play in the EPL.
But the lows were so devastating. Relegation is a bad word, but administration and liquidation are worse.
On a personal level, losing his form and ultimately losing his confidence shook the veteran to his core during a rough patch in his impressive career. Some key words from the manager turned things around, which wasn’t the first or last time the gaffer made a difference.
McCulloch stuck with his beloved Gers in good times and bad, winning hardware and helping the club fight their way back up the Scottish football pyramid. He didn’t abandon his club even though he had an opportunity to play in the Middle East under a very lucrative contract. He was always loyal, putting love of club and family over that of riches every time.
Rangers are still a work in progress as the team is not back to the SPL yet, but the veteran is bound to make that happen before he hangs up his boots and turns to a new chapter in his life. That new chapter is likely to include becoming a coach himself, which is not a surprise considering the great coaches that have influenced his career.
This is a great book, a must have for Rangers fans or anyone who follows the beautiful game. This is not about footballers making millions, driving fast cars, and gracing the covers of magazines and the headlines of newspapers. Rather this is a story about one of the good guys who made it big. He is one of us, someone who loves and protects the beautiful game, playing the sport the way it should be played: with heart, determination, and respect.
