It’s here. What football fans all over Europe have been waiting for, the January transfer window.
Its that time of year when you hope your side can capture the signature of that one player who will make all the difference, we Rangers supporters are no different.
So to get you all in the transfer mood I have picked out the best of Rangers’ winter transfer business, and over the next two days, I will present them to you.
PART 6.
NEIL ALEXANDER: JANUARY 2008
The next player on our list of best January transfers by Rangers could never claim to be signed as a first team player, but his contribution over time was none the less worthy.
Singed in January 2008 from Ipswich as back up for the impressive Allan McGregor, most likely in part to keep McGregor fully focused, Alexander would go on to play both a vital and unexpected role that season.
Alexander had seen some limited first-team action but it was about to get a lot more when during a midweek Old Firm clash, Alan McGregor went off injured.
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At that stage of the season Rangers were into the semi-finals of a historic UEFA Cup run and still involved in the remaining two domestic competitions after already securing the League Cup. Alexander would go on to play in both legs of the semi final against Fiorentina, keeping a clean sheet in both legs, making vital saves in the ensuing penalty shoot out that sent us to Manchester.
With first choice keeper McGregor still out injured, Alexander would go on to keep his place between the sticks for the UEFA Cup final and in the Scottish Cup final win three days later.
However, he could not dispose McGregor in the Rangers goal and spent the next season as back up again. In April 2009 Alexander was to once again show his worth to the side, after McGregor was dropped by Walter Smith, following a late night drinking session and now infamous v sign whilst on International duty with Scotland.
McGregor once again retained his place as number 1 keeper at the start of the following season and would remain in that spot until Rangers’ financial raping and demotion in 2012, opening the door for Alexander to once again be first choice after McGregor’s departure.
Alexander would prove to be a steady set of hands in an otherwise turbulent time for the club, winning both the third and second division titles with the club, before a contract dispute saw him leave at the end of his contract in 2013.
He might not be the flashiest name on the list but he was a great servant, never once letting the club down.
Get in touch please, with your thoughts
@steven_harrigan @rangersnewsuk