DEREK JOHNSTONE has hailed John Greig’s return to an official role with Rangers and said the 72-year-old will add to his legacy through his role on the Youth Development Company Board.

Greig has been back attending matches at Ibrox this season and has now joined the board of the independent company which provides funds to bolster the academy system at the Ladbrokes Championship outfit.

Johnstone played beside Greig in addition to having him as his manager at Rangers and insists he will take his responsibilities deadly seriously.

“John’s legacy dates back to his playing days, of course,” said Johnstone. “Very few stayed the length of time that John did.

“Rangers fans also voted him the club’s greatest-ever player and you can’t get a better legacy than that.

“However, he wants to make sure everything is set up nicely for the youth system going forward so that the club never really has to be looking anywhere else other than within its own ranks.

“It would be a lovely position for Rangers to find themselves in and I think that will be his ultimate goal.

“It is not going to happen straight away. If he succeeds, it could make his legacy even greater.

“I am absolutely delighted to see him holding down a new role within the club.”

The Rangers Youth Development Company was established in 1964 as the Rangers Development Fund with the aim of providing cash to the club.

To date, it has raised more than £120million, with more than £5.5million going into the Light Blues’ academy structure over the last ten years.

“I am delighted to join the Board of the Rangers Youth Development Company,” said Greig, voted the Greatest-Ever Ranger by supporters. “Since 1964, they have backed Rangers Football Club in a variety of ways and it is my pleasure to assist them in any way I can.

“Fans always play Rangers Lotto, buy Stadium Bricks or purchase Rising Stars tickets and Scratchcards and it is terrific that all profits raised from these products go directly to the youth programme.

“RYDC will continue to grow and it my pleasure to assist by joining their Board. I have always had a strong relationship with them and I applaud Colin Stewart and his team for their sterling work.

“They help with the development of young players so I am delighted to lend my support.”