A SUPPORTERS' group are talks with Rangers Football Club about officially recognising local man William Wilton - the Ibrox club's first manager.

Members of the Largs Rangers Supporters' Club are asking for Wilton, who was born in Largs in 1865, to be remembered through the installation of a portrait on the ground's famous marble staircase.

They say his contribution to the club's history deserves to be marked.

Spokesperson Alan Keegan said: "It would be a plaque, sponsored by us, with a portrait of William Wilton.

"The portraits start with Bill Struth on the staircase, and he succeeded William Wilton.

"William played an important part in turning Rangers into the force that they are today and that should be recognised."

The Wiltons arrived in Largs around 1851 and William was born in 1865. His father was a stonemason and his mother worked as a weaver.

The Wiltons stayed in various addresses around Largs after William was born in Nelson Street.

He was christened in the original St Columba’s Parish Church and later married there in 1893. His wife Catherine was also from the town.

He was school teacher in the town at the former Brisbane Academy before becoming involved in football.

The Largs Rangers Supporters' Club is a thriving club with over local 160 members.

Alan said: "As well as going to watch Rangers, we do a lot of charity work.

"We have been raised £3,000 for the pre-natal unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow and we are having a fundraiser for Soldiers off the Streets, but this year the big project is to get William's portrait commissioned and positioned appropriately at Ibrox."

Rangers have been receptive to the idea and their supporters' liaison secretary visited the Largs Supporters Club recently to discuss the proposal.

William served in the position of manager at Rangers from 1899 until his death in 1920.

He had previously filled several roles including match secretary to first and reserve teams and also played for the Ibrox outfit, although it was his organisational abilities which stood out as a key skill.

Under his guidance, the Rangers legend was born as he guided the Glasgow team to nine league championships, five Scottish Cups, 13 Glasgow Cups and 11 Charity Cups.

In season 1898-99 when the first championship was won outright, Rangers won every game.

Unfortunately he would not see the full extent of Rangers subsequent success as he tragically died in a boating accident in Gourock in 1920.

Alan added: "It is quite a connection for Largs and it is fact that is not that well known in the town. I feel we should have something here to commemorate it too.

"William Wilton wasn’t just the first manager at Rangers, he was one of the men who made Rangers and played a very significant role in the history of the club.

"Rangers owe a great debt to his legacy and it is appropriate that our supporters club continue to celebrate his name."