Dunfermline Athletic have expressed their sadness following the passing of their former forward, Jimmy Millar.

The Edinburgh-born player, who was 87, died yesterday (Thursday).

Although most associated with Rangers, where he spent 12 years, Millar's first senior club was Dunfermline, who signed him from Edinburgh-based juvenile side, Merchiston Thistle, in 1952.

He cost the Pars £10, plus a £30 signing on fee, having been spotted by manager, Bobby Ancell, whilst playing at wing half for Merchiston.

Millar, who was 17 when he made the move into senior football, had been invited to visit Sunderland, and had attracted interest from Motherwell, before joining Dunfermline. 

He made his debut, aged 18, in January 1953.

The apprentice plumber, playing at inside forward, scored on his bow in a 2-1 win over Hamilton Academical, and went on to score 17 times in 19 league games.

That form brought him to the attention of other clubs and, in January 1955, Rangers paid a fee of £5,500 to take him to Ibrox.

Under the management of Scot Symon, Millar went on to win three league titles, five Scottish Cups and three League Cups, and was later inducted into their Hall of Fame.

Rangers, for whom he scored 162 goals in 317 appearances, described him as a "tough, brave and quick centre-forward", and said they were "saddened" by news of his death.

Following his passing, the Pars, whilst listing his achievements at East End, added: "Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic was saddened to hear about the passing of former Pars player Jimmy Millar.

"Our condolences are with Jimmy's family."