They say the very best footballers do their talking out on the pitch.
For legendary Rangers striker Kris Boyd, that will always be the frustration when he looks back on Todd Cantwell’s distinctly hit-or-miss, controversy-courting year-and-a-half spell at Ibrox.
A man who, perhaps, will be remembered not for his ability. Nor his goals or his assists. But instead for his social media outfit and a rather unseemly spat with one Chris Sutton.
Now, it is not every day that Rangers fans find themselves siding with the enemy.
But many on the blue side of Glasgow will share Boyd’s feelings on the matter, telling the Scottish Sun that Sutton ‘got it bang on’ when questioning whether Cantwell had the rock-solid mentality to cope with life in this most high-pressured of environments.
He was labelled ‘one of the best players in the Premiership’ by then Livingston boss David Martindale back in September. In truth, however, Cantwell rarely ever lived up to that billing.
Todd Cantwell wants to leave Rangers
“He will forever be remembered as ‘TikTok Todd’,” Boyd sighs. “What a shame, the way it’s turned out at Rangers for a player with a huge amount of talent and ability.
“But there’s only one person Todd Cantwell can blame for the way it eventually ended up for him at Ibrox — himself.”
Manager Philippe Clement revealed in midweek that the former Norwich City playmaker – who was linked with £40 million moves to the likes of Liverpool not too long ago – had submitted a transfer request.
As a result, Cantwell is not part of Rangers’ pre-season plans. He will train with the reserves until his future can be resolved.
“I’m sure he’ll point to the fact he didn’t get picked by Philippe Clement in certain games,” adds Boyd, the former England Under 21 international starting the final two league clashes with Celtic on the bench and also being dropped for the Europa League decider with Benfica.
“But the reason Cantwell is desperate to get out of Rangers is because he doesn’t have the mentality to play at a club that size.
“The fact is, Cantwell didn’t justify his place in the Rangers line-up often enough. In 65 appearances he scored 14 goals, which roughly works out at a goal every four-and-a-half games.
“I’m sorry, for someone with his ability in the final third, that’s just not good enough.
“We’ve never seen a player with a determination to get into the team and prove his manager wrong for leaving him out. Not out on the pitch, where it matters.”
Chris Sutton was right about Ibrox misfit
For Sutton, determined to have the last laugh, Cantwell’s desire to leave Scottish football behind comes as no surprise.
He sides with Boyd too, arguing that the so-called ‘Dereham Deco’ has seldom displayed the sort of fierce competitiveness required from all players who want to make a success of themselves on the Old Firm.
“It doesn’t seem he’s got the stomach or the temperament,” Sutton argues.
“It’s a strange one. Normally, when a player talks about wanting a new challenge, it’s because they have achieved so much. Cantwell hasn’t achieved much at Rangers.
“And what will he be remembered for? It’s a chance missed by Cantwell. I’ve always said there is talent there and he had a tremendous platform at Rangers.
“But you need to produce consistently on the pitch.”
