It looks like the five Newcastle players who were dispatched to Rangers on Monday night did have a choice as to whether they wanted to go north and play for the Scottish giants, who are coming back to the Scottish Premier League and European competition, although that may take another season or two to achieve.
Gael Bigirimana scoring his goal against Wigan in late 2012
Ode to joy
Two of the Newcastle players have been interviewed in the local papers today, and they both said it was up to them as to whether they wanted to go out on loan to the Glasgow club.
And it seems that they jumped at the chance, because of the great history and phenomenal fan support of Rangers FC.
This is what 21 year-old defensive midfielder Gael Bigirimana, who played 25 times for the Newcastle first team in his first season at the club, had to say:
“No, it wasn’t like we didn’t have a choice. It was up to us and saw the history of the club and how passionate the fans are.”
“It’s similar to Newcastle and we thought this is the right step for our careers, individually and for the future.” “With the situation the club is in, we know where it should be and our goal is to help the team get back to that.”
“Everybody is different and sometimes when you speak to another player, he says he’s thinking of going to a different place.”
“There were other teams there and there were other options but we just felt this doesn’t happen often with five players going to on loan to the same club.”
“It was something that felt right for us to do and we came to our decision. It was the right thing and we are really excited.”
We don’t know if Remie Street will be allowed to stay on loan, since this will be the third club he has played for this season.
Remie was on loan to Port Vale, and has played a number of times for the Newcastle U21 side, and his case seems similar to Ben Arfa’s – who was not allowed to play for Nice this season, after playing for Hull City and once for the Newcastle U21 side.
The is what talented 20 year-old center-back had to say:
“We found out a couple of days before the window shut if I’m honest, Newcastle left it with us.” “Rangers wanted to sign us on loan and Newcastle wanted us to sign on loan but they left it down to us.”
“The fact there were a few of us coming up was a factor because it makes it easier to settle.” “I can only speak for myself because I’m not sure about the other lads’ situations, but there were a few clubs I could have signed for.”
“But the support Rangers get and the crowds and passion for the club were factors in me signing here.” “I can’t speak for the others but that made me want to come here and it’s a new challenge as well.”
Rangers fans are not sure what’s happening at their club, but they shouldn’t worry too much.
We don’t know what’s happening at Newcastle either, and that’s been the case for a few years now under Mike Ashley.
But in truth, it doesn’t look good for Rangers, because it now looks like Mike Ashley is in (complete) control of the Scottish club – if he can do things like this.
For Rangers FC that’s not good, and that’s the bad news.
However, the Rangers’ finances could be a lot better under Mike Ashley and Derek Lambias, and they fixed the Newcastle finances, which are now one of the best in the Premier League, although Mike will not spend enough money to build up the squad.
We don’t know what the quality of the Rangers playing squad will be down the road.
With the Newcastle squad, it’s been second priority on Tyneside to the finances under Ashley’s iron grip.
Anyway, on the bright side, these Newcastle lads are good players, and should be able to help the club reach promotion back to the SPL this season.
That’s the good news.
We are hoping that’s exactly what happens – and certainly the five lads seem to be very motivated and could be a like a breath of fresh air to Rangers.
Hope so.
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12 comments so far
Average_Contents
Feb 4, 2015 at 8:47 AM
Comment #1As if they had a choice lmfao.
It’s telling that two have felt the need to come out and deny it, whether of their own backs (haha doubt it) or have been instructed to by NUFC and/or Rangers at the behest of the slug (highly likely)
Ibizatoon
Feb 4, 2015 at 8:53 AM
Comment #2AC…Where did all this lack of trust come from?
I personally liked the bit about “we saw how passionate the fans are”
They must be wondering whether all fans worldwide hate Mash.
Still, they’re there, I hope they do well and there may be some benefit to NUFC down the line.
Always end on a joke.
Average_Contents
Feb 4, 2015 at 9:01 AM
Comment #3Ibiza
Oh I don’t know,maybe it’s the 7+ years of being treated like mugs that has swayed me 😉
Yeah good joke that benefiting us. Perhaps the biggest joke of all is that some still believe it.
MrMojoRisin76
Feb 4, 2015 at 9:05 AM
Comment #4Watching those player interviews was a bit like watching the hostage videos the taliban used to send to cnn when they captured a soldier.
Ibizatoon
Feb 4, 2015 at 9:05 AM
Comment #5A/C…Has it been 7 years? Boy time flies when one is having…ermm…I want to say fun, but it doesn’t sit right.
Truth is (Please don’t think Bishop has helped me write this) that the players who have gone on loan (not inc. Santon), all needed to go on loan, but the issue for me is where.
Also, has there been any confirmation on payments / wages, etc?
As has been pointed out recently, Rangers can barely make their payments as it is, are they actually paying for these 5 players?
Ibizatoon
Feb 4, 2015 at 9:06 AM
Comment #6MoJo…Long time no see.
Was there a SD flag in the background?
martoon
Feb 4, 2015 at 9:12 AM
Comment #7JDdubai – If you are still around – I had to go out last night but noticed you had met Graham Carr – did he impart any nuggets of information?
MrMojoRisin76
Feb 4, 2015 at 9:13 AM
Comment #8Ibiza
Sick of having the same discussions so i took a step back for a bit.
Of course there were sd banners in the background it was an sd production,it even had a couple of ads for tracksuits and golf clubs after.
Toon Tang
Feb 4, 2015 at 9:15 AM
Comment #9BigIrimana looks like hes being baptized in that pic. Hallelujah jah Rastafari. CAN I GET A WITNESS?
BandB
Feb 4, 2015 at 9:19 AM
Comment #10AC
You clearly not getting the tenets of positive thinking, 2015-style.
Let me explain.
“I am starving. I have an apple. My boss steals and eats my apple. But am I going to invite Mr Negative to the party.?
No.
The boss has both saved me the bother of holding the apple, and created space in my hand for a potential new apple.
It’s a win/win really…….”
The overrated Frenchman
Feb 4, 2015 at 9:23 AM
Comment #11If I were one of these young lads, I much rather be playing first team football for Rangers instead of getting stuck in the mud of a NUFC U/21 game.
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Feb 4, 2015 at 9:23 AM
Comment #12It’s been near 8 Ibiza. Yikes. 8 years of that slug stitching us up.
Same here it’s the issue of where they’ve gone. That tells it’s own story.
No idea on the wages but it wouldn’t suprise me if we are footing the bill as measly as their wages may be it’s still a piss take.
70two had an interesting theory on that.
Rangers can’t even afford their own players wages and running costs at the moment so the slugs sent them up there because they will have to pay their wages out of the first £5m tranche SD gave them of which £3m went straight back to the slug. The remaining £2m is for operational costs thus applying more pressure to an already stretched business.