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Nile Ranger begs forgiveness and fresh start after tragedy

9 years ago
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The Nile Ranger story has taken yet another new twist, with the former Newcastle player making a public plea for a fresh start, apologising for his past behaviour, which in summary is basically asking for forgiveness.

The 24 year old has posted a statement (see below) on social media, thanking all the clubs he has been at throughout his troubled career, whilst also apologising for his conduct and admitting he should have been a better role model.

His statement comes after Blackpool manager and former Newcastle player, Neil McDonald, accused Nile Ranger of still only been interested in ‘causing havoc’ after he turned up out of the blue at the League One club once again after having messed them around for the past year or so.

Ranger had posted images and videos of himself training but McDonald says that this is just a front and he believes nothing has changed.

Neil McDonald:

“You would have to ask the chairman about that (why Nile Ranger has turned up again). I’ve made my feelings known. The player has no future at this club. You’ll have to ask the hierarchy why he is still here.

“He can come back and put things on social media showing him training and grafting, but he’s not really.”

Causing havoc:

“He’s come back to cause a bit of havoc and some headlines. He didn’t even turn up on Friday, so that’s what we are having to deal with.

“I have been told we have to make facilities available to him and that is what we will do, but he certainly won’t come into the fold here and he won’t come back into the team, that’s for sure.”

Nile Ranger says that the recent deaths of two close friends has helped prompt him to reassess his life and what has happened in his career so far.

Turning 25 in April, the player has packed a lot into his life so far, the only problem being that not much of it has been on a football pitch. As well as substitute appearances, Nile Ranger has only started 50 first team matches in total (scoring 17 goals), across the host of clubs he has been involved with and messed about.

At Newcastle, Nile Ranger made five starts in the and scored two goals, though you may be surprised to learn that he made as many as 50 substitute appearances for Newcastle United as well.

I think you have to take what Nile Ranger has written below at face value but sadly I think very few of us will believe that he can carry this through. The expectation being that we will be revisiting this sooner, rather than later, with what his latest transgressions have been.

As it always has been, it is down to Nile Ranger himself what happens next.

He isn’t good enough for the Premier League but he has got the ability to make a living in the lower leagues, we await with interest to see what happens next.

His current deal at Blackpool is to the end of the season but you can’t imagine they would stand in his way if somebody else will take him on, temporarily or permanently.

Nile Ranger’s posting on Twitter:

“I just want to take the time out to write this post as I feel like I need to get this of my chest.. I have seen 2 of my good friends pass away in a short space of time… Whilst over coming this it has made me realise life really is to short and have really been taking things for granted

I would like to use this opportunity to thank, Southampton, Newcastle, Swindon and Blackpool for giving me the chance to experience the dream of being a professional footballer.

To add to this I would like to apologise to every one at these clubs, including management, players, staff and fans. I should have given more and been a better role model.

I would also like to add I am sorry to my current team mates at Blackpool, for being missing for a long period of time and not attending pre season and putting in the hard work during this time. I have been wishing the best for you all.

I’m not using the death of my 2 friends as an excuse, as I know I should be doing better regardless. Truth be told I’m just a young boy who has been living the dream and playing a game which I do love and miss deeply and hope that one day I will be able to get back on a pitch and play because life is really is to short.

On a day to day basis I do see all the negative comments and abuse so if your going to be negative feel free, but to anyone with something positive…Thank you.”

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