Nile Ranger displayed tremendous amounts of promise when he first progressed through Newcastle United’s academy to make his first-team debut in 2009/10. During his first campaign, the striker featured 25 times in the Championship as the Magpies made an immediate return to the Premier League under Chris Hughton. In the second tier, he also scored and assisted twice, highlighting his potential. However, the now 29-year-old was unable to find the net in the top-flight once Newcastle were promoted.
Sadly, due to multiple disciplinary issues, the striker never got to realise his potential at St James’ Park. Ranger has gone on to experience a journeyman career in the second and third-tier with Blackpool, Barnsley, Swindon Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Southend United. But after having been without a club for two years since the Shrimpers terminated his contract, Ranger has put out a plea for a last chance with any club who is willing to offer him a route back into football.
What did he say?
Speaking to the Daily Star, Ranger said: “The game has pretty much washed its hands of me.”
The 29-year-old also revealed that he had moved back home and was playing five-a-side just to stay fit and added that he had turned down contract offers from Rochdale and Oxford United.
Ranger suggested he regretted the decisions, stating: “in hindsight, they were both really stupid decisions. I can’t blame anyone else – it’s all been self-inflicted. I hope and pray I’ll get one last chance. If I do, I’m ready to grab it with both hands.”
Unfulfilled potential
Back in 2013 the centre forward left Newcastle United by mutual consent after making 62 appearances for the Magpies, scoring just three goals during his spell at St James’ Park. He had several issues towards the end of his time in the northeast, including being questioned by the club for posing with a replica gun and getting arrested by police for being drunk and disorderly.
Unfortunately, since leaving the Magpies, the problems have persisted. After it appeared he had finally found his feet in League One with Southend United, the striker’s contract was terminated for “reoccurring disciplinary issues”.
Now he has pleaded for one last shot to prove he has improved his discipline, but whether he will get another opportunity in professional football remains to be seen.
