Born to a Scottish father (former Charlton Athletic player Charlie Gough) and Swedish mother, Gough grew up in South Africa and began his career playing with the Wits University club. Looking to build a career in British football, Gough went on trial to Rangers, but was turned down. After that he was provisionally signed by Charlton Athletic. After returning to South Africa, he was signed by Scottish Premier Division team Dundee United in 1980.

He played for Dundee United for six seasons, finishing with 23 goals in 165 appearances and helping them to the League title in 1982-83. In 1986, Gough was sold to English First Division club Tottenham Hotspur for £750,000, where he played for slightly over a year, Gough began to feel homesick and, early in the 1987-88 season, returned to Scotland, joining Rangers and becoming the first Scottish player to be signed for over £1,000,000. His debut was at Tannadice in a defeat against former club Dundee United. Gough remained at Ibrox until 1997, captaining the side that achieved nine consecutive League titles.

In 1997, Gough left the United Kingdom to play in the United States' nascent professional league, Major League Soccer.

Gough returned to Rangers after the 1997 MLS season, and played with the club for one more season. In all, he played 318 league games with Rangers, scoring 26 goals. He then linked up with his former boss at Rangers, Walter Smith, when he played two seasons for Everton, scoring once against Southampton. He also had a brief stint with Nottingham Forest.

Gough was also a regular in the Scotland national team in the 1980s. He made his debut against Switzerland in 1983, and went on to gain 61 caps. His international career was ended prematurely, however, after he was critical of coaches Andy Roxburgh and Craig Brown and withdrew himself from further selection.

On 30 November 2004 Gough landed his first managerial job with Scottish Premier League team Livingston. He resigned in May 2005 after saving the club from relegation,

Goughy, a natural born leader is regarded as one of the true Rangers greats.

 

 

Years                       Club  1980–1986             Dundee United                       1986–1987             Tottenham Hotspur               1987–1997             Rangers 1997                         Kansas City Wizards 1997–1998             Rangers       1998–1999             San Jose Clash 1999                         Nottingham Forrest (loan) 1999–2001             Everton National team   1983–1993 Scotland 061 0(6)  Teams managed  2004–2005 Livingston

13 players found   John Greig Frank McAvennie John Robertson Mark Hateley Billy McNeill Alex Rae John Brown Allan McGregor Rab Douglas Michael Stewart Gary Mackay Scott Robertson Lee Miller