Nile Ranger

[peterstebbings]

Any truth to him training with us? That's what a couple of people are saying on Twitter.

If he get his head right he'd be very decent at this level -- but it's a big, big 'if'

[ninestein]

Big risk though. He's had disciplinary issues throughout his footballing career. If he's still got it, he would offer no more than a short term benefit to the team.

[hoofer2]

No thank you. Even more toxic individual than Marlon King https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_Ranger

[Mem Beespod]

From what I’ve been told he’s been training for weeks which if his disciplinary record is anything to go by, has given him enough time to hang himself. The fact he’s still training suggests there may be a chance of him staying. I also heard him to do an interview in recent months and it looks like money’s tight for him and the penny has dropped. Whether he is capable of changing is anyone’s guess.
Ability wise, he’s head and shoulders above this level.

[BeesKnees99]

His criminal and disciplinary history is shocking.

Ability wise, you’d think he’d destroy this league, but is it really worth it? For the potential issues it could cause?

Bloke’s had so many chances at redemption and just does not seem to learn.

[boots]

19 goals in 141 games, can't argue with that

[MCB]

hasn't played since 01 Jan 2018 - that's 18 months out of the game.

2014/15 - Blackpool - 2 goals in 14 games for Blackpool
2015/16 - No games - Basically on strike
2016/17 - Southend - 8 goals in 28 games for Southend
2017/18 - Southend - 2 goals in 21 games for Southend - pre-season in jail

No need to go into his troubles with the law, easily googled.

So, it depends on him doesn't it? Looks like he may now be based in North London. So it largely depends on how much he still wants a career in football.

And from our point of view - would he accept a pay as you play contract? Is he rocking up to training on time? Would he be prepared to play at our level? Can we afford him? Will he cause any ruptures in the squad?

Yeh, a fully focussed Nile Ranger would tear this league to shreds (but hopefully not the supporters base).

I'll leave this one up to DC's judgement, knowing TK will ensure the club is protected. But yes I do have reservations.

[Norfolkbee]

Any contract must state unequivocally that "the slightest hint of a breach of discipline and you're out the door, no its, buts or maybes".

[WinchyBee]

Non-contract pay as you play, let's go.

[jerroll]

Non-contract pay as you play, let's go.

Nail on head.

[ETBee]

Why take the risk? The mood of a dressing room is a very sensitive thing and we seem to have a group of players who get on well together and respect each other. If he were this new Arsenal chap, Martinelli, yes, but not while many of the team are now finding where the goal is. We don't need him.

[Mem Beespod]

hasn't played since 01 Jan 2018 - that's 18 months out of the game.

2014/15 - Blackpool - 2 goals in 14 games for Blackpool
2015/16 - No games - Basically on strike
2016/17 - Southend - 8 goals in 28 games for Southend
2017/18 - Southend - 2 goals in 21 games for Southend - pre-season in jail

No need to go into his troubles with the law, easily googled.

So, it depends on him doesn't it? Looks like he may now be based in North London. So it largely depends on how much he still wants a career in football.

And from our point of view - would he accept a pay as you play contract? Is he rocking up to training on time? Would he be prepared to play at our level? Can we afford him? Will he cause any ruptures in the squad?

Yeh, a fully focussed Nile Ranger would tear this league to shreds (but hopefully not the supporters base).

I'll leave this one up to DC's judgement, knowing TK will ensure the club is protected. But yes I do have reservations.

The 18 months out is potentially why his spell has been longer than your average trialist. Probably needed to regain his core fitness before he could show what he’s capable. There’s a limit to how fit you can keep yourself just working out in a gym

[MCB]

Why take the risk? The mood of a dressing room is a very sensitive thing and we seem to have a group of players who get on well together and respect each other. If he were this new Arsenal chap, Martinelli, yes, but not while many of the team are now finding where the goal is. We don't need him.

But he's already been in the dressing room day in day out for a couple of months now

[ETBee]

Is he really? If he is he's not competing for a place in the team.

[becbee]

Definitely non-contract pay as you play.
The guy has a shocking history and it's hard to feel too confident about this. However, the other way of looking at this is that he is 28 years old. He has to somehow earn a living for the next few decades - or risk going back into crime / prison. As long as he's told that first hint of trouble and he'll be out, then If he do a job for us, albeit probably only short term, then fair enough.