Rangers have today confirmed James Sands has been recalled by New York City SC and is no longer a Rangers player.
The American, 22, was reported by Ibrox Noise as imminently being recalled to Major League Soccer with New York, but nothing was set in stone yet, but today Rangers have announced it officially:
“RANGERS Football Club can today confirm James Sands has returned to parent club New York City FC. The United States international joined Rangers on-loan in January 2022 and went on to make 41 appearances for the club in both domestic and European competition. Sands featured for the Light Blues in the 2021/22 Europa League final and played his part in last season’s Scottish Cup run, as Rangers lifted the trophy for the first time in 13 years. He has also made a contribution to this year’s run in the Scottish Cup, with the winning goal against Partick Thistle in the last round of the competition.”
Michael Beale added:
“I would like to thank James for his time at Rangers. He was a well-liked player in our squad and I enjoyed working with him on a daily basis. I believe he will go on to have an excellent career. The opportunity to return to NYCFC for the start of the MLS season, where he will be a key player in their squad, was something that we felt was correct for all parties. Everyone at Rangers wishes him well moving forwards.”
Sands was a deeply unappreciated player among fans, who blamed him for poor defensive play, something they are unable to do now that he’s stopped playing for the side under Michael Beale the past few months despite the fact the goals still leak in.
But for Ibrox Noise’s part, we sincerely wish him well, and apologise for some of the appalling abuse he took from a section of the support who really didn’t have a kind word to say about him.
He was no Maldini or Beckenbauer, but he’s a better player than given credit for, and we hope he flourishes back home in USA with a team that actually wants him.