Rangers fired coach Gordon Neely after boy made allegations of an ‘incident’ sparking police probe

RANGERS sacked a coach after a teenage boy made abuse allegations against him in 1990, the club revealed last night.

Youth scout Gordon Neely - who worked with the Light Blues between 1986 and 1990 - was booted off the team by the then-manager Graeme Souness following a claim of inappropriate behaviour towards the youngster.

Neely was axed at a meeting led by Souness and his assistant Walter Smith and police were then alerted by the Glaswegian club.

The showdown took place in 1990 after the boy confided in his dad - a serving police officer - about an incident involving Neely.

An Ibrox spokesman said: “Rangers is now aware of an alleged incident involving an individual who worked very briefly for the club more than 25 years ago.

“It’s understood the individual was dismissed immediately and that the police were informed.”

The statement went on: “Rangers wishes to stress that all employees adhere to the strictest codes of conduct, especially when dealing with children and young people.

“Rangers haven’t been approached by Police Scotland or any authority regarding this allegation.”

The claim comes to light as cops throughout Britain probe claims of historical sex abuse in football.

But it is not connected to Police Scotland’s current investigation into “non-recent” cases.

Star-spotter Neely was one of the game’s most sought-after youth coaches when he left Hibernian in 1986 to join Souness at Rangers.

But his footie career effectively ended when he was axed after more than three years at Ibrox. He died of cancer two years ago, aged 62.

Last night a source told : “Neely was called into a meeting with Souness and Smith and was sacked.

“There’s no suggestion there was any physical contact between him and the youngster but something was said in a one-to-one situation, which led to the lad telling his dad.

“His father was a cop and went straight to Ibrox and demanded a meeting with the manager.

“Neely was never heard of in football circles again.”

Neely began his coaching career with Edina Hibs and Hutchison Vale boys’ clubs in Edinburgh.

He helped to teach a number of talented kids who went on to enjoy successful football careers.

Neely worked for Dundee United’s legendary boss Jim McLean to recruit promising players to the club before he joined Hibernian.

The Edinburgh club then accused Rangers of poaching their top talent spotter after he announced he was moving to the Old Firm giants.

After being informed of the allegation concerning their ex-employee, a Hibs spokesman said last night: “We are not aware of any complaints being made at the time but that does not mean we should be complacent.”

Hutchison Vale club leader Tam Smith also said he’d not heard of any misconduct claims against him.

Mr Smith, who took up his post in 1989, years after Neely had left, said: “I’ve heard of him and I know he was well known at the club before my time.

“But I’m not aware of any allegations being made about his conduct while he was here.

“I am aware things have been tightened up very much for the better. In those days, anyone could start a football team and no one checked their background.

“We can never be complacent but, in common with 90 per cent of clubs, we now have a child protection officer and I think we take better care now than in the past.”

Mr Smith, an ex-cop who has worked with children for 23 years as a social worker, added: “We have to keep making sure we give kids opportunities — and that we always put their interests and safety first.”

British football has been rocked by a string of abuse allegations made by retired pros, including former Crewe defender Andy Woodward and ex-Spurs and Liverpool forward Paul Stewart.

Last week disgraced coach Barry Bennell was charged with eight sex offences against a boy aged under 14.

The Scottish FA said they’re working with cops and kids charities to “ensure a co-ordinated response”.

A Police Scotland spokesman said yesterday: “We have received reports in connection with non-recent child abuse within football.”