Former Rangers scouting chief Ewan Chester has opened up on the sliding doors moment that almost saw Allan McGregor shipped out by Dick Advocaat – only for legendary goalkeeper coach Alan Hodgkinson to insist he was destined for the top.
Hodgkinson, who was pivotal in Andy Goram’s success at Ibrox, worked wth a young McGregor and fought hard to keep him as Advocaat prepared to let him go as injuries hindered his early progress.
McGregor has gone on to prove Hodgkinson right multiple times over and Chester admits that the shotstopping guru got his way in the end.
“Hodgy was key to Rangers keeping him on,” said Chester [Sunday Post].
“Allan had suffered a few injuries but it was his fingers which he had a real problem with at that point and they were taking a long time to heal.
“Dick was getting a bit impatient with him and would have let him go, but Hodgy insisted that he had to stick with him because he was sure he’d go on to be a star.
“I think everyone connected with the club is glad that he got his way in the end.
“He was Man of the Match again at Parkhead last weekend and he’s made the difference. He’s been pivotal in the last two Old Firm games.
“Celtic could quite easily have won both but he pulled off big saves at really crucial times in each of them.
“That’s what defines great goalkeepers – they make the saves you don’t think they should be able to make. Andy Goram was the same.”
McGregor’s contract is up in the summer and it is unclear yet if the veteran keeper will decide to continue playing beyond the summer.
After returning to Ibrox in 2018, winning the title might just be the perfect ending he wanted – despite looking like he could continue for another year or two at least.
Ibrox veteran Steven Davis recently signed a contract extension at Ibrox before dropping a hint about his long-term future that Rangers supporters should love.