Kyle Ferguson took Rangers release badly as ex-bear speaks out in revealing interview
Ex-Rangers youth product Kyle Ferguson was devastated when released by The Gers at the age of 13 and considered quitting football afterwards, he revealed in an interview with Football Scotland.
Son of Rangers legend and former Alloa manager Barry Ferguson, the 23-year-old now finds himself plying his trade at Harrogate Town in League Two after spending time at clubs in the USA, Ireland and Sweden.
Speaking to Football Scotland, Ferguson described his disappointment at being released by The Gers 10 years ago, after growing up watching his dad Barry captain Rangers and win several trophies at the club.
He said: “It’s all I’ve never known, is football. Even as a kid all I ever did was play football. But when I got to the age of about 13 when I got released from Rangers, I took it so bad because I had so much love for football.
“I had grown up with it. When I was a kid at Rangers I thought ‘this is what my life’s going to be. I’m going to train with Rangers all the way through, get to 18 or 19 and make my debut and play for Rangers for the rest of my life.
“And when you get released at such a young age, for me especially, it took a big toll.
“I was thinking ‘do I want to play football anymore?’ I kind of lost a love for the game.”
Harsh realities
Ferguson’s story highlights just how brutal the early stages of any footballer’s career can be. The cut-throat nature of academies across the width and breadth of the country can dash dreams in a heartbeat.
Although Ferguson was rejected by his boyhood club, the defender never gave up on his dream, moving to Clyde for a brief spell before travelling to America to play on a scholarship for Medaille College.
Following his stint in America, the 23-year-old travelled to Sweden and then Ireland as he learnt to adapt to different styles of football in each nation. His time in Ireland would have prepped him for the physicality of English and Scottish football as still clings to the dream of a return to the Ibrox.
Now enjoying his football at Harrogate Town under the guidance of Simon Weaver, Ferguson is a reminder of why so many play the beautiful game, even if they don’t make right to the top.
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