David Edgar slams Rangers as legal battle concludes with compensation payment ordered
David Edgar has criticised Rangers after it emerged the club has been ordered to pay former kitman Jim McAlister a fee of almost £13,000.
An employment tribunal in Glasgow ruled that Rangers were in breach of contract over McAlister’s departure last year [Daily Record, 11 January].
The lifelong Rangers fan has since taken on a job with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by ex-Gers boss Steven Gerrard.
Heart & Hand podcast founder Edgar commented on Twitter [11 January]: “Nobody ever should have their employee rights breached. It’s not on and Rangers need to do better.”
In the wrong
The timing of McAlister’s departure was strange, with The Athletic [20 October] reporting a few months ago that the kitman was “dismissed unexpectedly”.
The exact reasons behind Rangers’ decision are unknown, but a court has ruled in McAlister’s favour so they were clearly in the wrong.
McAlister ended his playing days and even rejected a testimonial at Greenock Morton in order to assist Jimmy Bell as Rangers’ kitman in his “dream role”. After Bell’s passing, he assumed the role of chief kitman.
This has been an unwanted off-the-field distraction, and one that is not exactly a good look for the club, but at least now it has been dealt with.
McAlister can continue his new job in the Middle East, while Philippe Clement will look to get his Gers players in prime condition during their winter training camp in Marbella.
If nothing else, let’s just hope lessons have been learned from this whole saga.
In other Rangers news, a youngster has sealed a move away from Ibrox.