Official Balogun and Firth officially gone

[55beatsall]

Hope Beale picks Balogun up for QPR.

 

[mustn’t grumble]

Good move for all

 

[RangersEasyOK!]

Would imagine this means another CB in

Wouldnt have thought so, would expect King to take his space.

 

[Laudrup is God]

Correct decisions imo

 

[insanicdrunk]

Balogun was a cracking signing, and seemed a really good bloke too. I think this is a wise move for us, but I am sad to see him to go all the same.

Balogun always looked so pleased for anyone that scored. Looked like the type of guy that likes to see others do well.

 

[Mount_Bear]

If you’re not going to play Leon King as a “prospect” what’s the point? He’s good enough and should be given an opportunity.

I never said I wouldn't play him, I'm just saying we can't bank on him to play at a high level for 60 games a season for a multitude of reasons.

 

[Battle Fever's On]

The right call imo. I’d also look to move Helander on when fit

And Roofe, can't be having players in the squad so injury prone no matter how good they are.

 

[Main Stand]

Good bye Andy Firth. Lived the dream.

Always a hero in my heart.

 

[Dizzel1872]

Did Andy Firth even play a first team game for us?

 

[Bluey]

Shame about Balogun he was a decent stand in. Guess there must be another CB coming in or King’s being promoted to first team full time.

 

[Dotty_84]

See plenty on twitter going nuts about not renewing Balogun. Don't understand that, Club could have someone lined up or targets they want.

 

[RangersLad1983]

Looks like Jordan Campbell information is wrong, never believe anything that prick says

 

[Helanders Beard]

Won’t get much better value for money than what we got from signing Balogun.

A model professional, he knew what it meant to play for Rangers. Wee bit sad that he’s away, but trust the manager.

 

[Andrew webb]

That goal v red star Belgrade will be remembered for ever

 

[prenzlauerbear]

Come home the Moabit Marvel. Hertha could do worse than give him a year.

It's the right call, but he has to go down as one of the best free transfer signings the club has made.

 

[SuperGers07]

Bassey will be first choice left back I imagine.

I’d not count on that one bit

 

[Coisty09]

All the best to them

Very surprised we aren't keeping Balogun for another year or so though

We have Goldson, Souttar, Helander, King and Katie if we decide to keep him.
And of course Calvin who more than filled Balogun’s boots on many occasions!!!

 

[LiviLoyal]

Did Andy Firth even play a first team game for us?

Yeah, away to Killie he came on.

 

[bilkobear]

Big Leon was a good player for Rangers.
It wouldn't have bothered me one bit if he had stayed.
I don't know what his wages are like, but he should find another club easily enough because he is still a very quick and reliable centre-back.
A club like Hearts or Hibs should really be looking at him.

 

[Helanders Beard]

Did Andy Firth even play a first team game for us?

He came on at Rugby Park I’m sure.

 

[HandsomeHead]

With Souttar’s arrival and Goldson penning a new deal it was probably inevitable that big Leon departed.

Personally I think he was a superb signing and I hope he finds another club soon.

You’d have to imagine a few Bundesliga clubs might take a punt?

 

[SDF]

Balogun more than played his part over the past 2 years but this is definitely the right decision in terms of wages & his fitness record. Provided stability and cover when Katic went down long term and Helander's prawn cracker legs continually fell apart.

Considering he was a free transfer, you can't argue with his contribution.

 

[DylanGer]

Also liked big Balogun..........

 

[20rangersultras07]

Shame about balogun, been solid for us last two years.

If we didn’t have so many cb’s eh helander and katic and Simpson I’d have kept him.

All the best to him

 

[si72]

All the best to Leon on his future endeavours.Gave us 100% when pulling on the Blue Jersey.

 

[Galstonian Oranje]

Hes been a good signing. But appraoching mid 30's. Maybe something to do with Katic coming back

 

[Cucumbear]

Wish both all the very best. I would’ve, as others have said, kept Balogun another year, but he departs as a well respected member of the squad

 

[Biniaro11]

We can’t carry players who have to be managed and play a couple of games a month at best.
Too many players like this costs you trophies.
We don’t have too like too far back to see this!

 

[Shawlands_Bluenose]

Balogun has been brilliant for us, gave us well more than I ever thought he would.

But still can’t keep people around forever or on sentiment, probably the right time for him to go

 

[SuperGers07]

Look like mcgregor might replace Firth as player coach which is the correct call

Wish big Leon all the very best and thanks big man you sampled rangers and loved it

Firth going is not an indication of McGregor whatsoever

 

[PeterMSVO86]

all the best Balogun a great play players for us wanted him to sign for another year, firth has had a great job the last 2 years im sure he will be still going to rangers games

 

[Brighton_Loyal]

Really disappointed to see Big Leon let go, should have got another year for me. Never let us down, gets what we’re about and had a few massive performances in the past couple of years. Don’t get it at all

 

[Faure there’s not a team]

I never said I wouldn't play him, I'm just saying we can't bank on him to play at a high level for 60 games a season for a multitude of reasons.

He is more than capable of being third choice centre back and playing 25/30 games this season. There must be a clear pathway for our youngsters.

 

[der_hammer10]

Balogun has been a superb signing. Great experience. A couple of big goals in Europe. And was fantastic in contributing to a British record for least goals conceded.

I wanted him to stay, but good luck to the mighty Leon Ballon D’or.

 

[Mount_Bear]

Just thinking about Balogun's goals - as far as I can recall, he only scored in Europe. Is that right?

In which case how many players over the years have scored more than once for Rangers, all goals coming in Europe?

 

[Bluebeard]

Firth going is not an indication of McGregor whatsoever

I said it might be. Watch this space

 

[ElBufalo72]

Another point, I think he's one of the most intelligent players I've heard speak. Just so articulate and emotive, none of your rent-a-quote platitudes you hear from the majority of players.

 

[Loyal72]

Balogun was decent for us, served the club well.

Leaves a League Winner and Scottish Cup Winner.

All the best.

Firth, great mascot.

Sensible decisions all round.

 

[1914-18]

Love Big Balogun but for me King takes his place in the pecking order. Balogun has been a great signing and can hold his head high

 

[BoyciesDa]

We have Goldson, Souttar, Helander, King and Katie if we decide to keep him.
And of course Calvin who more than filled Balogun’s boots on many occasions!!!

When she sign

 

[20rangersultras07]

Hes been a good signing. But appraoching mid 30's. Maybe something to do with Katic coming back

I hope not, katic needs punted along with Simpson

 

[Carlton The Bear]

Leon was a great servant to the club and will be remembered fondly. Andy Firth, cult hero.

Thank you for your service both of you.

 

[gogetyourshinebox]

Liked Balogun. Put in some top performances but it's clear he is struggling with injuries and is definitely in the twilight of his career. Good luck to him.

 

[Loyal72]

I said it might be. Watch this space

McGregor has absolutely no interest in coaching or management, hates it, has said numerous times throughout his career.

He'd not be a good coach.

 

[GazzaG]

Don't understand the logic of Leon Balogun going while re-signing Alan McGregor and Steven Davies.

Does Balogun play in goals or am I missing the joke here?

 

[ELGers]

Right decision re. Balogun in my opinion. 34, injury-prone and at best the 4th/5th option. I'd rather those rotational minutes were used to assist the development of Leon King.

If all were fit and when playing the system with 4 at the back my CB 'depth chart' as it stands would be -

1. Goldson
2. Souttar
3. Bassey
4. Helander
5. King
6. Katic

I would be looking to bring in someone to replace Helander though and trying to move him on.

 

[Blair1310]

I would definitely have punted katic amd helander and kept Balagoun for another year.

 

[bornabluenose]

Sorry to see Balogun go, that simple.Wish him all the best.

 

[Alex_Bear]

Will be remembered fondly by me as a crucial part of that solid defence that won 55 and progressed us in Europe. Will still have a lot to offer whoever he signs for. Still a first pick at international level for his country. The big man leaves with my best wishes. All the best

 

[Blue Phoenix]

We will have Connor, Calvin, John and Leon K for the 2 CH positions

John Soutter won't play the whole season. Back to back Euro and league games will take their toll.