David McCallum laments ‘sad time’ as nine Rangers B team players to leave
Rangers coach David McCallum lamented a “sad time of the year” as it was confirmed that nine B team players are set to leave the club, as reported by the official website.
Following the previous transition from the academy to the second string, the nine players have not secured contract extensions and they will now continue their careers elsewhere.
Rangers have stated they will provide “extensive support” to those who will be departing in terms of supporting their future in football and personal development.
The statement from Ibrox named all of the players whose time at the club has come to an end, as well as the reaction from McCallum.
“Rangers Academy can today confirm the departure of a number of B Team players who will now continue their footballing journey elsewhere,” it said.
“Kai Kennedy, Tony Weston, Murray Miller, Kevin Ciubotaru, Charlie Lindsay, Lewis MacKinnon, Kelsey Ewen, Harley Ewen and Alex Kpakpe are all moving on, with Rangers providing extensive support to all players leaving the Academy programme.
“It is always a sad time of the year when we bid farewell to players who have made the journey through the Rangers Academy to B Team level, added McCallum.
“While it is always disappointing to leave a club like Rangers, I have no doubt each and every one of the lads departing for pastures new will forge a strong career in the game and we will continue to keep an eye out for them.”
Massive jump
A few of those named above have gained significant experience on loan, playing first-team football in the cut-and-thrust of Scottish league action but, without significant progress made, the outcome is inevitable.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of youth and B team players will move on from Rangers simply because of the demands.
In particular, there is a massive jump from the Lowland league level to the standard required to feature in Michael Beale’s first-team squad and few are able to do that.
At present, the likes of Leon King, Alex Lowry, Zak Lovelace and Adam Devine are the best prospects to have a chance, while it has to be noted that King featured heavily last season, including his exposure on the elite Champions League stage.
Hopefully, the nine players will soon get fixed up at other clubs and now the challenge begins for them to prove they have what it takes to bounce back from this setback, to go on and make an impact elsewhere.
In other Rangers news, the boss has admitted one player is likely to leave this summer.