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Rangers: Michael Beale told to give Scott Arfield new Ibrox contract amid 'frustrating' verdict from Scottish manager
Scott Arfield’s former Falkirk manager John Hughes is desperate for the Rangers man to get another year’s contract extension at Ibrox.
The 34-year-old has become a regular substitute rather than a starter under Michael Beale, and is currently in line to exit in the summer as part of the group of players whose deals are up.
But the ex-Dunfermline and Ross County boss has talked up the veteran’s role within the squad, despite the “frustration” of not playing so much, and has urged the Gers manager to keep him at the club.
Hughes said, as per Football Scotland: “I’m just hoping Scott gets another year at Rangers.
“He’s a manager’s dream. He’ll be playing the role of a senior player in the dressing room and will never let himself or a manager down in terms of setting a standard.
“Knowing Scott, he’ll want to play every week and it will be frustrating. But I cannot speak highly enough of him.
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“He’s been a good Ranger, the fans have taken to him and if I was Michael I’d be giving him another year.”
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There are few players in the Rangers squad who are praised as frequently by those outside the club as Arfield, and there is certainly some merit in retaining leadership in the dressing room.
On the other hand, he has been there providing that leadership throughout this season and the results have been nowhere near good enough anyway.
Beale could have as much as £15million in wage bill space once players leave this summer [BBC Sport, 29 April], and he is likely to need most of it for new arrivals.
So there may not be space to retain Arfield if he isn’t going to be a significant contributor on the pitch as well as behind the scenes.
The Canadian has been a valuable asset over his Light Blues career but there may not be room to be sentimental.
Plenty of supporters have been calling for a full clear out of the old guard for some time, so clinging on to past glories likely wouldn’t be especially popular, but Arfield is a consummate professional so perhaps Beale will value that.
In other Rangers news, another out of court settlement has been predicted by a finance expert for the club’s latest multi-million pound dispute.