Brandon Barker has spoken of his difficult experience at Ibrox after he signed a short term deal with English Championship side Reading until the end of the season.Β
The 25-year old Mancunian is effectively playing for his future, whether in Berkshire or elsewhere and the only way to do that effectively is by proving himself on the pitch.
Barker made a contribution toward the league title success last season, so that experience should always stand him in good stead.Β Despite that, his time at Ibrox was largely underwhelming with the highlights few and far between as the former Man City trainee just could not secure a spot in the team for any significant length of time.
With Reading sitting just above the drop zone at present, he will need to hit the ground running a show a consistency of quality that he could provide in Glasgow.
Earlier on Tuesday, he spoke to the Royals official media channels with a telling response when asked about what his experiences at Ibrox can bring to the Madejski Stadium:
“Life in the SPFL, it made me grow up as a man. It’s difficult playing for such a big club, the pressure is always on.”
“Hopefully that will give the the level required to show what I can do in the Championship (for Reading).”
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— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) February 15, 2022
These words aren’t really a surprise as it appeared at times that the weight of a Rangers jersey and the significant demands at Ibrox were too much for the player.
Brandon Barker is human, he’s not the first and certainly won’t be the last to falter at Ibrox, Instead, questions have to be asked of the signing in the first place and the generous terms that were given to an unproven player.
Hopefully, in a less pressured environment, he can go on to make a decent career for himself in England or elsewhere.