Full name Gerhardt Neef Name Gerhardt Neef Role Football player | Playing position | |
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Date of birth (1946-10-30)30 October 1946 Date of death 23 February 2010(2010-02-23) (aged 63) Died February 23, 2010, Nuremberg, Germany | ||
Gerhard "Gerry" Neef (30 October 1946 – 23 February 2010), often known as Gerhardt Neef, was a German professional football player.
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Club career
Although he was taken to Scotland initially by Eddie Turnbull, manager of Aberdeen, Neef was best known for his spell at Scottish side Rangers, whom he signed for in spring 1968. A former German policeman, he was seen as the answer to the clubs problematic goalkeeping position. The manager Davie White had been struggling to find a replacement to Billy Ritchie since his departure in 1967, using Erik Sorensen and Norrie Martin but not settling on either.
He made his debut on 19 April 1969 in a league match against Greenock Morton, keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 home win. The following season, he became first choice at the club playing 39 games and winning the 1970 League Cup, after keeping out Celtic F.C. in the final.
The 1970–71 season saw him lose his place to new signing Peter McCloy. His appearances were sporadic thereafter. He was part of the 1971–72 European Cup Winners' Cup squad, but never played. Neef left Rangers to return to West Germany in 1973, having made 48 appearances in total for the club.
Death
Neef died from throat cancer at his home in Nuremberg on 23 February 2010 . A one-minute silence was held in respect for Neef before the Old Firm derby at Ibrox Stadium on 28 February 2010. The silence was disrupted by Celtic supporters who were heard booing throughout.
Personal life
Melanie Neef, Neef's daughter, was an athlete for Great Britain.