Rangers could free 11 players or more in mass cull
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 25: Cedric Itten of Rangers looks on as he warms up prior to the William Hill Scottish Cup match between Rangers and St Johnstone at Ibrox Stadium on April 25, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Rangers could be set to free a glut of ‘non-contributing’ players after Ross Wilson confirmed a host of players who don’t have a future of the club are to leave imminently.
This is good news for Rangers fans who have wanted the dead wood cleared out and it could happen as soon as January, to give them all chances to find new clubs.
But of course, who are they?
In terms of those currently at the club, there are obvious candidates:
Jack Simpson, Brandon Barker, Jermain Defoe (yes, really) and Nnamdi Ofoborh (not his fault).
In terms of those loaned out:
Cedric Itten, Niko Katic, Glenn Middleton, Kai Kennedy, Josh McPake, Lewis Mayo and Jake Hastie to name just 7.
In terms of who will stay of this lot, only Katic (and Itten at a push) stand a real chance. Everything here, give or take, is an SG signing, and Gio will be making his own mark on the squad given time.
And the likes of Barker, Hastie, Simpson and Ofoborh are non-contributing and likely to move on.
Now, some may look in horror at the Defoe mention and suggest ‘how could we’. Well, he’s far, far too old (he’s 39 for goodness sake) and has no value as a player. He will only ever be used as an occasional sub to keep him happy.
His deal 100% should NOT have been extended – it’s been an expensive waste of money for Rangers, £29K pw down the drain since last June.
This was a pals act with our ex manager and a huge costly error. One to learn from we hope.
As for the rest, easier to free. Lots of dead wood in there we can hopefully pay off with reduced sums, because Wilson has made it clear we will do exactly that.
No more Jack Simpsons, please.