Already, there have been a lot of flippant remarks made online, particularly from disgruntled Sheffield United fans following the confirmation of John Lundstram as a Rangers player.
Earlier this afternoon, an official announcment was made by the Ibrox club declaring that the 27-year old had signed a three year contract with the Scottish champions.
As usual, a lot of idle talk and wild claims are made by fans on social media – some declaring that Lundstram is a limited player, not of the required quality, not good enough, etc etc.
The fact of the matter is that he is highly rated by his former boss Chris Wilder, who done his best to urge the player to sign a “very good contract offer” – even after Wilder’s dismissal at Bramall Lane, caretaker manager Paul Heckingbottom continued to back Lundstram, praising his attitude despite effectively running down the clock on his time at the Blades.
Back in October, Sky Sports reported a frustrated Wilder speaking on efforts to tie down the England youth international:
“We have offered him a very good contract that is up there with the top players at the club and he has made the decision with his agent that he doesn’t want to sign, and I respect that.”
“We feel it is a very good offer but there are always two sides to every story and John and his agent feel that they maybe want to negotiate elsewhere, so that’s where it’s at.”
“I am very frustrated about that. Cards on the table, I believe John should have signed it.”
Fantastic, professional
This was then followed up by Heckingbottom, refuting claims that the midfielder lacked commitment in his final months with the now-Championship club, as reported by the Sheffield Star:
“One thing I’ll say about Lunny, and I want this on record, is that he’s been fantastic in training and he applies himself well.”
“He’s found himself in a difficult situation. We’ll see how it pans out. But I want it on record that he’s been nothing other than totally professional ever since we came in.”
As well as the English clubs that were vying, unsuccesfully, with Rangers to land this significant free signing, it is clear that the coaches at Sheffield United rated Lundstram and wanted him to stay – that is what matters when his quality is being ‘questioned’.