Rangers have completed a deal to bring Gareth McAuley to Ibrox.
New Rangers signing Gareth McAuley has told the club’s official website that he and his family have all supported the club for years – and he is surprised a move has come this late in his career.
The Gers had already snapped up 14 new signings under Steven Gerrard before Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Celtic, but felt that there was room for a 15th new arrival.
With the transfer deadline passing last Friday, Rangers are now restricted to free agents, and they have swooped to land one on a deal until the end of the season.
Rangers snapped up former West Brom defender McAuley this afternoon, bringing the 38-year-old to Ibrox as experienced competition for summer signings Connor Goldson, Nikola Katic and Joe Worrall.
McAuley was released by West Brom this summer after seven years with the club, racking up more than 225 appearances before his departure, with Rangers no doubt feeling that they have made a shrewd move.
A Northern Ireland international with 79 caps to his name, McAuley possesses a wealth of experience, whilst his 6ft 5in frame will certainly help Gerrard’s side defensively.
For McAuley, the move is something of a dream, as he has told the club’s official website that he and his family are all Rangers fans, noting that even the kerb on his street growing up was painted in Rangers colours.
McAuley added that he is surprised his move to his boyhood club has come in the dying embers of his career, but is delighted to have finally signed for Rangers and can’t wait to get started.
“It is massive for me personally. My family support the club as do I,” said McAuley. “The street I was born on, the kerbs were painted red, white and blue, so to get the opportunity to come and play at this famous club is amazing. I am delighted to be here and I feel very honoured and privileged to be here. There are a young group of players here so I hope to help them with my knowledge, help develop them and also challenge them to play in the team.”
“I didn’t think it would be in the latter stages of my career [I’d get the chance to play here], but the timing was good, everything has worked out and the last week has been a bit of a whirlwind. I have been linked with here over the years, but it has never come off for whatever reason – it’s perhaps an easy link for press men coming from Northern Ireland and the connection with Rangers. But I am looking forward to getting involved,” he added.
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