Todd Cantwell opens up on role of Grant Hanley and Kenny McLean in Rangers transfer
Todd Cantwell has revealed Norwich City teammates Kenny McLean and Grant Hanley both urged him to complete his transfer to Rangers in the January transfer window due to their love for the Scottish club.
The former Canaries playmaker sealed his move to Ibrox in the winter window after a frustrating period at Carrow Road, where he fell out of favour under managers Dean Smith and David Wagner.
Speaking to the press on Friday afternoon (10 February), Football Scotland relayed Cantwell’s quotes on the two Norwich players’ influential role in his transfer.
“I did (speak to Hanley and McLean),” the 24-year-old said. “They were particularly excited when they heard about the possibility of me coming here.
“It was either they wanted me out of their changing room, or they were happy to have me here.
“I don’t know which one it was. All joking aside, they’re great guys, and I think I realised how big Rangers are – or how much they love Rangers – when I was linked to come here.
“The advice from both of them was just, ‘Go and be you’. The fans will love you if you give 100 per cent and play the way you play when you’re at your happiest.
“That’s the message from everyone I’ve spoken to.”
Agent Hanley?
McLean and Hanley could well have a position on the Ranger payroll if they continue ushering talent from Carrow Road to Ibrox in the near future.
The move for Cantwell seemed to roll on for weeks, as both parties seemingly struggled to come to an agreement on the finer details of the move, but a kind word in Cantwell’s ear wouldn’t have harmed the move one bit.
The Norwich duo clearly know the potential the playmaker can reach at Ibrox if he gets back to his best, with the fanbase likely to enjoy his flamboyant style of play. A move, in the end, made sense for all parties involved, as Cantwell was warming the bench at Carrow Road on a weekly basis while the Gers were in desperate need of fresh legs in their midfield.
Under Michael Beale, the former England Under-21 international has a manager who is devoted to nurturing young talent – and this move could well turn out to be a stroke of genius.
In other Rangers news, the Ibrox bank is set for a cash boost after a document emerged on Wednesday.