Rangers star Jack Butland sends message as exit now confirmed
Jack Butland has not had the season he would have hoped for at Rangers.
Although the goalkeeper started off the campaign as the man between the sticks without question, as the campaign went on, doubts started to arise after a string of mistakes.
Barry Ferguson made a bold call to drop Butland ahead of Europa League action against Athletic Bilbao and, although his side were unable to progress over two legs, Liam Kelly became the new favourite.
With the season now coming to an end, there are plenty of decisions to be made at Ibrox ahead of the 49ers takeover, with several set to be made over players’ futures.
Butland sends out exit message
Although Rangers fans are looking forward to the future at Ibrox with the hope that their takeover will boost them up the league, there is some uncertainty in Glasgow as it stands.
Ferguson is at the helm as it stands, but it is looking likely that the American investors will be looking to appoint a new manager to replace him permanently.
However, with no call made yet, and the future of several players uncertain as the season draws to a close, there could be some who are waiting for an answer at Rangers before knowing which direction to step in next.
Butland may have only been dropped this term, but long-term heroes can still leave their side, with Joel Ward at his former club, Crystal Palace, serving him a reminder.
As Ward announced his exit from Selhurst Park after 13 years, Butland took to his Instagram story (13 May) to show his support for his former teammate with a message that read: “What a man.”
Butland out of favour at Rangers
Given how long Butland has been at Ibrox now, there is no denying that he is someone who has done plenty for the club and probably didn’t expect things to end this way.
Ferguson has continued to be complimentary of the goalkeeper, while the 32-year-old has supported his teammate since he got the call-up, so there is no bad blood.
| Player | Appearances | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded |
| Butland | 26 | 10 | 28 |
| Kelly | 10 | 4 | 10 |
However, it does seem as though the former Palace man has reached the end of the road with the Light Blues.
With new owners coming in, whoever is boss is likely to get an increased level of investment and with Kelly seemingly cementing his place in the side, Butland is likely to end up surplus to requirements.