Stars of the noughties: No 11: Fernando Ricksen

A PLAYER who enjoyed what can only be described as a chequered career, Ricksen started out with Fortuna Sittard in his native Holland but came to prominence after Dick Advocaat signed him for Rangers from AZ Alkmaar for £3.75 million in 2000.

He played on the right side of defence or midfield but had a nightmare start to his career in Scotland, substituted after 23 minutes of a 6-2 defeat by Celtic. On his second trip to Celtic Park six months later, he was sent off before half-time. Among other lowlights were throwing Rangers chairman John McClelland into a pool before a match in Athens and being banned from the Holland team for smashing a hotel door.

However, he was a key player in Rangers’ 2002-3 treble, playing 46 games and scoring three goals. He was ever-present in 2004-5 as Rangers won both the League Cup and the SPL and was voted joint Scottish PFA Players’ Player of the Year.