The Ibrox club announced the sad news of the former frontman's passing.
The former striker signed for his boyhood heroes as a schoolboy in 1961 and spent five years in the first team and became a prolific scorer during that time, netting 145 goals in his 163 games for the Light Blues, and winning one league title and two League Cups.
Forrest's best season for the club came in 1964/65 when he scored a staggering 57 goals in all competitions and that is just two short of Celtic great Jimmy McGrory's record for the most goals scored in a season in British football. Forrest – capped five times by Scotland – also held the record for the most goals scored by a Rangers player after bagging five against Stirling Albion in an 8-0 League Cup rout of the Binos in 1966. Derek Parlane and Marco Negri later matched that.
But for all of his success at Rangers, his time at Ibrox ended on a sour note when, along with George McLean, he was made a scapegoat for the humiliating Scottish Cup loss to Berwick Rangers. He was transferred by then boss Scot Symon within weeks of that defeat that sent shockwaves throughout British football.
Forrest – the former of ex Rangers star Alex Willoughby – moved south of the border where he joined Preston North End before returning to Scotland with Aberdeen where he spent five years, earning a Scottish Cup winners' medal in 1970. He then had spells overseas with Cape Town City, Hong Kong Rangers and San Antonio Thunder.
The Ibrox club announced in a statement: "The Rangers family is today saddened by the loss of former striker, Jim Forrest, at the age of 79. Mr Forrest will be remembered as the most prolific forward in the club's post-war history, netting 145 goals in 163 game for the club."
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Martin Compston's 'Scottish fling' up for top gong at TV choice awardsThe Line of Duty star and pal Phil McHugh are thrilled to have been shortlisted for their BBC travel show as they urge fans to get behind them.
Read more »
Scottish SPCA to launch series of pop-up shops for Glasgow pet ownersThe Scottish SPCA is set to hold a pop-up shop at their Glasgow animal rescue and rehoming rescue centre this week.
Read more »
Scottish Water urged to expedite Bridge of Weir sewer work over disruption fearsMain Street is set to close to traffic between Mill Brae and the Pow Burn from Monday, October 9, until Sunday, December 3.
Read more »
Everything you need to know about the Scottish school strikesSCHOOL staff across Scotland are on strike after rejecting the latest offer from employers. Support staff in 24 council areas are walking out for…
Read more »
Scottish tennis courts branded 'shambles' by Andy Murray win renovation fundingA SCOTTISH public tennis court once branded a 'shambles' by Andy Murray has been allocated almost £100,000 for upgrades ...
Read more »