Michael Beale has confirmed Allan McGregor will quit Rangers as a player this summer, after admitting the club was about to lose one goalkeeper due to end of contract.
It comes as welcome news to most Rangers fans, given that despite supporters’ obvious love for Greegsy, his performances had been dreadful this season and he is evidently done as a goalie, with new blood Robby McCrorie outstanding in yesterday’s Old Firm.
He may remain on coaching staff, we cannot know that for sure yet, but it’s now confirmed that his glittering Rangers playing career is now over.
Beale said:
“We’re going to lose one keeper this summer because one is out of contract.”
100% confirming McGregor is finished and it’s time for new blood. Unfortunately he was unable to similarly suggest the abysmal Jon McLaughlin will be moving on, but we do understand the hapless deputy will indeed be freed this summer to find a new club.
But it’s McGregor’s exit which, while sad, is inevitable – the lad is well into his 40s and the most notable loss on his part is reaction time. The number of occasions McGregor has been rooted to the spot, unable to react to shots is simply the effect of the passage of time.
He no longer reacts to shots as he did, and lost his ability to make the mind-bending saves once his trademark.
He will leave, however, with our absolute love and blessing, whatever he chooses to do, and rightly claims his place as being among the top three goalies Rangers have ever had.
Yes, he should have left a season earlier, but it’s hard to give this club up – and McGregor loves this club.
So he will quit this summer, having already started his last Rangers match as a player – he will get one last hurrah to say goodbye to the supporters – few have earned one more than he has, most likely being done alongside Steven Davis who is incredibly unlikely to play again for the club.
But Beale has definitely confirmed the exit for McGregor.