Rangers re-build for 2020/21 has begun in earnest with the news that six players will be leaving at the end of their respective contracts.
#RangersFC can confirm that Andy Halliday, Jon Flanagan and Wes Foderingham will depart from Ibrox upon expiry of their permanent contracts.
First Team Squad Update: https://t.co/33htOVEROH pic.twitter.com/Pr7uNRfdLa
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 19, 2020
Andy Halliday, Jon Flanagan and Wes Foderingham plus three players out on loan, Jason Holt, Jordan Rossiter and Jak Alnwick have been announced as the six players set to depart.
Halliday’s exit is perhaps the most emotive having grown up around the corner from Ibrox but with over 150 appearances for the club he supports, he can be content that for all that the club failed to win a major trophy, it was never because of a shortage of effort or desire – that Steven Gerrard saw him as an “unofficial captain” is testament to his importance in the dressing room.
Foderingham has played back-up to Allan McGregor for two seasons now and has looked considerably more assured when he has been called upon to deputise with a more competent defence in front of him, with money expected to be tight at clubs when the transfer window opens he won’t have a problem finding a new club.
Flanagan had appeared to be first choice left-back last season but his lack of athleticism and the need to cut inside onto his stronger foot frequently caused attacks to lose their momentum, however, he does have a series of strong Europa League and Old Firm appearances to take with him and has shown that he is over the injury problems that saw him become available for free to Gerrard two seasons ago.
Holt and Alnwick were both out on loan this season and will leave with the fans best wishes, however, both players, although competent professionals, are not of the required standard to take Rangers forward.
Rossiter will always be a case of “what might have been” and Gers fans will no doubt keep an eye on his career to see if his body will allow him to fulfil his undoubted natural talent.
A sizeable chunk of the wage bill has been reduced and it will be interesting to see if academy prospects like Robby McCrorie, Ross McCrorie, Kai Kennedy and Nathan Patterson take their place or if Ross Wilson and Gerrard have replacements lined up to improve the squad to the level needed to usurp their city rivals at the summit of Scottish football.