Rangers' Allan McGregor 'didn't need convincing' to sign one-year Ibrox contract extension

Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor says signing a new one-year contract extension was a straightforward decision.

After adding a further year to his deal at Ibrox, the 39-year-old admitted he “didn’t need convincing” and after weighing up his performances and how he felt after helping Rangers to a 55th league title, he put pen to paper, following fellow veteran Steven Davis’ deal last month.

“I didn’t need convincing,” said McGregor. “My body felt ok, and performances seemed ok – so why not? You get to love the place and you feel like it is your home.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

McGregor has been on inspired form throughout the title-winning campaign with memorable saves against Slavia Prague and Royal Antwerp capping a new club European record for the goalkeeper, as well as many stand-out performances on the domestic scene.

Steven Gerrard hopes the 12-month extension is one of many more years for his goalkeeper and welcomed the move from a goalkeeper who “is certainly up there with Rangers’ best ever number ones.”

The boss added: “He has been outstanding for me since I arrived in 2018. To be able to continue playing at this level until his late thirties and hopefully, into his forties, is a magnificent achievement in itself.

“Some of the saves he has produced have been world class.”

Allan McGregor in action for Rangers during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, on January 02, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)Allan McGregor in action for Rangers during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, on January 02, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
Allan McGregor in action for Rangers during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, on January 02, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

McGregor split the goalkeeping duties with Jon McLaughlin early in the season but has established the gloves as his own, playing 37 times across all competitions.

His extension has been much-discussed over recent weeks and former team-mate Alan Hutton believed that the goalkeeper was putting the club’s title bid first before dealing with his own future.

Sporting director Ross Wilson confirmed the theory on rangers.co.uk as he tied the goalkeeper down to his new deal and added: “I’ve been blown away by Allan’s professionalism and absolute dedication to Rangers. He was a winner here the first time around and I know how proud he is to be a winning Rangers player again.

“Allan has had his full focus on securing the league title so our discussions over his personal contract deliberately didn’t start until the title was secured.

Steven Gerrard has praised Allan McGregor's longevity. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)Steven Gerrard has praised Allan McGregor's longevity. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
Steven Gerrard has praised Allan McGregor's longevity. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

“Steven and I were certain that we wanted Allan in our ranks next season - he is an outstanding goalkeeper and brings so much personality to our group day in, day out.”

Get a year of unlimited access to all The Scotsman's sport coverage without the need for a full subscription. Expert analysis of the biggest games, exclusive interviews, live blogs, transfer news and 70 per cent fewer ads on Scotsman.com - all for less than £1 a week. Subscribe to us today

Comments

 0 comments

Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.