A former Rangers scout has gifted a handmade miniature ‘Rangers village’ to a schoolboy left scarred for life in a vicious XL Bully attack.
Robert Fairley, 79, spent 10 years as a talent spotter for the club bringing the likes of Ian Durrant, Gordon Dalziel and Billy Davies to Ibrox back in the late 1970s and 80s.
Working under legendary manager Jock Wallace and later club great John Grieg, he also took charge of Glasgow youth team, Eastercraigs AFC, that produced the likes of Aberdeen stalwart Willie Miller and Celtic hero Tommy Burns.
His fond memories inspired him to create a model village that features a lit-up “Ibrox Avenue” with Rangers themed hotels and flats.
When Robert saw the Record’s coverage of young Teddy Kerr, there was only one place he wanted it to go.
Robert told the Record: “Teddy is my hero and he’s a wee champ.
“I was absolutely mortified to see what he had been put through. To be dealing with so much trauma at such a young age is just awful.
“I used to work at Rangers as a scout. I’ve got great memories of my time there, bringing some of the best talent to Ibrox.
“Around a year ago I decided to do a wee project building my very own Rangers village in the shed.
“When I read Teddy’s story in the Record I knew right away I wanted it to go to him. I just hope it puts a smile on his face.”
We previously told how Teddy was scarred for life after being pounced on by an XL Bully.
The beast tore into the five-year-old’s back and face and left him with over 100 stitches.
Former Ibrox scout Robert got in touch with Teddy’s gran Marion after he was left in awe at the primary one pupil’s bravery.
She was left stunned when Robert handed over the handmade village – and an official Ibrox sheet signed by legends of the club including Davie Cooper.
Robert added: “I helped bring the likes of Ian Durrant, Gordon Dalziel, Bobby Russell and Billy Davies. At the time the team had Davie Cooper, and managers Jock Wallace then later John Greig.
“I had a sheet from back then signed by all the players. It must be 40 years old – I thought that would be nice for the boy to have too.”
Gran Marion said: “It was emotional meeting Robert I was a wreck and in tears. The kindness of total strangers has been overwhelming.
“Robert walked me out to his shed and he had a copy of Teddy’s story in the Daily Record pinned onto the door – with a sign saying “My hero, Teddy Kerr.”
“He told us how inspired he’d been by Teddy. The village is just amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it.
“It’s an early Christmas present. We’re going to get the autographs framed.
“We told Teddy that Robert used to work at Rangers and he was just amazed. He can’t wait to meet him when he’s feeling a bit better.”
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