Rangers defender Leon Balogun has been making a big impression on the Ibrox club’s supporters following the victory over Hearts.
The Nigerian centre-back, 36, struck a chord with supporters as he assessed the current state of play at Ibrox and the expectations of the club’s intense fanbase.
But it’s not just on the park where the defender is proving his Rangers credentials, as Leon Balogun welcomes a behind-the-scenes figure back to Ibrox for the first time since his controversial exit.
Jim McAlister’s bitter end at Rangers
The story of Jim McAlister at Rangers is one tinged with sadness following a bitter court battle.
The ex-Greenock Morton player was left the Gers in controversial circumstances in 2023 after working behind the scenes with legendary kitman Jimmy Bell.
According to the Daily Record, McAlister was ‘ruthlessly axed amidst a sea of incompetencies and false accusations’ by outgoing CEO James Bisgrove.
The situation was so dramatic in fact that Jimmy Bell’s widow Janice cleaned up the legendary former kitman’s famous kit room in protest against the treatment of Jim McAlister, who had assumed Bell’s duties following the Rangers legend’s passing.
Now an empty room like any other kit room in football, it’s a devastating loss to Auchenhowie and Rangers and for many reflects the club’s startling decline.
McAlister, stunned by the sacking from his dream job, eventually won a payout of other £13k from an employment tribunal, delivering justice following his unfair removal.
Leon Balogun welcomes Jim McAlister back
Now, with the influence of James Bisgrove now gone from Rangers following his switch to Saudi, Jim McAlister has been spotted back at Ibrox.
Rangers star Leon Balogun uploaded a picture with Jim McAlister following the club’s recent 1-0 victory over Hearts at Ibrox.
As if you couldn’t love the big centre-back anymore, Balogun included the caption: “Great to have you back home last night. You are missed.”
Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, who brought McAlister to Ibrox, went on to sign the Scotsman from the Isle of Bute onto his backroom staff with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.
Speaking of the the ex-Gers boss, Steven Gerrard finds himself under increasing scrutiny in the Middle East.
