The former Arsenal midfielder would have been one of several English players on Rangers’ books, had former Ibrox boss Walter Smith had his way..
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour
Ray Parlour has told Talksport a former Rangers boss once tried to bring him to Ibrox.
The retired England international enjoyed a distinguished career, in which he won three Premier League titles, five domestic cups and one European Cup Winners’ Cup as an Arsenal player.
But Parlour has claimed he could have spent the 1990s collecting silverware at Rangers instead, had Walter Smith had his way.
Asked if he would have considered a move to Celtic amid Craig Bellamy’s recent comments about Scottish football’s reputation, the 44-year-old told Thursday’s Jim White show: “Rangers was the team [that came in for me] – Walter Smith, years ago.
Former Rangers manager Walter Smith
“George Graham [the then Arsenal manager] didn’t tell me though obviously, because I would have gone in for a new contract at Arsenal.
“Celtic was always a huge club, Rangers as well. This was when I was about 18, 19. I only knew this because Walter Smith, I’ve been out for dinner with him and he told me. He said: ‘Look, I tried to sign you when you was a youngster.’
“But obviously, I was very happy to stay at Arsenal at the time. I would have definitely negotiated a new contract though and got more money out of George Graham.”
Former Rangers midfielder Paul Gascoigne
Smith worked with several English players during his first spell as Rangers manager, including Gary Stevens, Mark Hateley and Paul Gascoigne.
And the Lanarkshire boss oversaw great success, winning seven Premiership titles out of eight as well as six domestic cups.
He returned to Ibrox in January 2007, winning another eight trophies in total before leaving four years later.
Parlour, meanwhile, went on to play for Middlesbrough and Hull City before retiring a decade ago.
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