League One club Southend United announced this afternoon that they have released striker Nile Ranger. The 26-year-old’s troubled spell at the Essex club has finally come to an end.
Nile Ranger Released By Southend United
No Break Through For Ranger
After signing for Southend in August 2016, it appeared as if Nile Ranger finally settled.
The former Newcastle United player was seemingly enjoying his football with the Shrimpers. The 26-year-old was playing regular football at Roots Hall, something he had not done in his career since 2014.
Midway through the 2016/17 season, Ranger signed a new contract, committing himself to the club until 2020.
However, the 2017/18 campaign did not even begin for Ranger. The London-born striker was sentenced to 10 months in prison for online banking fraud. Then following his release from prison, he was subjected to a 7pm curfew, thus preventing him from playing evening fixtures.
Following his eventual return to action, Ranger scored in a 4-2 win over Fleetwood Town on September 22nd. However, his goal celebration stole the headlines for the wrong reasons. After scoring, Ranger removed his boot and imitated a machine-gun.
One Too Many Chances
Shrimpers manager Phil Brown took a gamble by signing Nile Ranger. Furthermore, the former Hull City boss provided the player with a lot of confidence.
But unfortunately for Brown, the player did not fully comply and ultimately has been shown the exit door.
After his tenure at Blackpool, it was hard to see Ranger getting another chance. However, Southend took that chance and for a while, it seemed to be paying off. Now it is evident that the tone has not changed, as another chance for a revival in Ranger’s career goes begging.
The End of The Line?
Finally, one has to seriously wonder if this is the last of Nile Ranger.
Spells with Swindon Town, Blackpool and now Southend United have all ended similarly. Therefore with this in mind, surely Ranger’s chances are up now.
The seemingly inevitable ending to a storied saga for Nile Ranger could be on the horizon. But the main question for the player; what next?
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