What might’ve been for Scott Allan. What might’ve been.
The boyhood Rangers fan was the subject of transfer interest from Ibrox way back in 2015. Mark Warburton was in charge, and we were battling Hibs for the Championship title.
It all feels so long ago now.
There was huge excitement amongst Rangers fans when we heard of the interest. This was one of our own, a talented midfield playmaker who’d fill a void left by Barry Ferguson. Allan, formerly of Dundee United, was once touted for the top when he moved to West Brom as a 20 year old.
With his contract running down, we hoped to pounce. But Hibs wouldn’t play ball.
Instead, stunned by the allure of Champions League football, Scott Allan did the unforgivable. He joined Celtic.
The midfielder could’ve waited out and started on a path to Ibrox folklore. But he took a chance at Parkhead. Whatever your judgement, Allan clearly saw it as an opportunity to play at a high level. But our rivals were playing games with the midfielder’s career.
Scott Allan never quite made the grade at Celtic Park
Allan struggled to break through at Celtic Park. It felt like he never would. It was as if Celtic wanted him so we couldn’t have him. Our rivals had a wealth of competiton in that position at the time.
And now, Allan is set to return to Easter Road. That’s where he has had his most successful footballing years. He has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Edinburgh club and will return come June unless a deal is thrashed out beforehand.
It’s a backwards step. Especially when you consider the fanfare he would’ve experienced had he made the trip to Ibrox. It’s not surprising for Allan – his career is one marred by poor judgements.
At 27, there’s still plenty of gas left in the tank for the talented midfielder. The Hibs move might actually be good for him. In fact, it likely will be.
But both Allan and Rangers fans will be left wondering just what might’ve been had things went differently back in 2015/16. Had he joined, we might even still be singing his name.
Fast forward to 2018/19, and Rangers have their sights on a different Scottish Premiership midfielder altogether.
