Rangers confirm 13 academy exits including Devine & McKinnon
Leading the exodus are a trio who have had first team exposure - Adam Devine, Cole McKinnon and Archie Stevens. All three had been out on loan at Queen's Park, Ayr United and Dunfermline respectively.
The other youngsters moving on are Lewis Budinauckas, Jay Hogarth, Jacob Pazikas, Jack Harkness, Kristian Webster, Leyton Grant, Kerr Robertson, Darren McInally, Grant Leitch and Harry Weir.
Read more: Ajax star on how Rangers-linked Francesco Farioli compares to Arne Slot
Cyriel Dessers on Rangers transfer exit speculation and Barry Ferguson
Devine had a run of top team appearances, and impressed to a degree, during the 2022-23 season and then headed out to Motherwell on loan last year, picking up further Premiership experience. But it was down to the second tier last season and the full-back hasn't done enough to stay on at Ibrox.
McKinnon is another who has a decent amount of first-team experiences and was even trusted by Philippe Clement against Benfica in the Europa League last season.
But they will now be on the hunt for a new club along with the other 11 confirmed as leaving this morning.
A statement from the club reads: "Academy can today confirm the departure of a number of players who will now continue their footballing journey elsewhere.
"Lewis Budinauckas, Jay Hogarth, Jacob Pazikas, Jack Harkness, Kristian Webster, Leyton Grant, Kerr Robertson, Darren McInally, Grant Leitch and Harry Weir are all moving on.
"Adam Devine, Cole McKinnon and Archie Stevens, all of whom featured for the first-team at various points in their Rangers careers, will also depart the club upon the expiration of their contracts, and we thank each for their contributions over the years.
"We wish all the departing players the very best in their future endeavours and they will always be welcome back at Rangers."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
CALUM CROWE: Russell Martin's vision of footballing 'utopia' won't wash at Rangers. He will know that you either win trophies at Ibrox or you're deemed a failure
When Rangers were weighing up the credentials of all the contenders for their managerial vacancy, it was clear that Russell Martin ticked a lot of boxes. A talented and progressive young coach with a clear style of play? Check. Someone who knows the club and has experience of Scottish football? Check. Someone with a track record of improving and developing young players? Yep. Someone who is articulate, intelligent, and a natural leader? Again, check.
Rhyl Journal
5 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Russell Martin looks set to win race to become new Rangers head coach
The former Rangers and Scotland defender was reported to be finalising personal terms after accepting the position, which became vacant in February when Philippe Clement was sacked. The apparently imminent appointment is the latest in a series of major developments at Ibrox. An American consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises secured a majority shareholding on Friday and new sporting director Kevin Thelwell officially began work on Monday. Thelwell stated on his first day that the recruitment of a new head coach would come to a conclusion 'in the coming days'. Outgoing Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti and former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard – who reportedly pulled out of the running – were also among the leading candidates. Martin has been without a club since being sacked by Southampton in December after a 5-0 home defeat to Tottenham left Saints bottom of the Premier League on five points after 16 matches. The 39-year-old had secured promotion in his first season in charge thanks to a Championship play-off final win against Leeds. The ex-Peterborough and Norwich captain began his managerial career in November 2019 when he stepped up from MK Dons' playing squad to take charge of his team. We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our Men's First Team Manager, Russell Martin. — Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 15, 2024 Martin steered the Dons clear of relegation danger before the pandemic struck and his side finished 13th in Sky Bet League One in what proved to be his only full campaign in charge. Martin moved to Swansea in August 2021 after the Welsh club made an official approach to MK Dons on the eve of their season opener, leading them to 15th and then 10th-placed finishes in the Championship before moving to Southampton. Martin's firm commitment to possession-based football drew some criticism as Saints struggled in the top flight and he defended his approach days before the fateful meeting with Ange Postecoglou's Spurs side. 'I get criticised for the same thing (as Postecoglou),' said Martin. 'About being stubborn and all that stuff. But if you believe in something and it's taken you a certain way in life then to deviate too far from that is crazy. 'I can't speak for him but we are also adapting. We adapt shape, approach, personnel, but with the same consistency about what is important for us, with the same concept of the game. We can't deviate too far from that otherwise we become nothing, really.' Martin now looks set to take his principles up against another purveyor of possession-based football and one of his predecessors as Swansea manager, Brendan Rodgers, whose Celtic side recently won their 13th title in 14 years. Although Rangers have only won three major trophies since emerging from the Ibrox liquidation crisis of 2012, Martin will have a good grasp of the fans' demands and expectations, which have been raised by the takeover and the promise of a £20million investment in the playing side. Martin spent the second half of the 2017-18 season on loan from Norwich at Rangers, playing under caretaker managers Graeme Murty and then Jimmy Nicholl. His appearances included a 4-0 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat and 5-0 loss against a Rodgers-led Celtic side as Rangers finished third in the Premiership.
Evening Standard
6 hours ago
- Evening Standard
Viktor Gyokeres responds to new Arsenal FC transfer question amid Manchester United links
United, meanwhile, are attempting to rebuild their entire attack after a torrid campaign in which they finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final, having already completed the £62.5million signing of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves and now also expected to enter into talks with Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo, who is said to want a move to Old Trafford.
