Former Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger makes shock return to football
Former Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger is back in football following two years without a club.
Ranger, who started his professional career with the Magpies in 2009, has been announced as Kettering Town’s latest signing and made his debut in Monday night’s 2-1 win away to St Ives Town. The Poppies play in the Southern Premier Central - the seventh-tier of English football.
“Richard Lavery has added to his squad with the experienced signing of striker Nile Ranger,” a club statement read. “Nile has previously played for Newcastle United, Barnsley (loan), Sheffield Wednesday (loan), Swindon Town, Blackpool, Southend United, Spalding United, Boreham Wood.
“An England U19 international Nile had a pre-season at Barnet, he has played in the Premiership, Championship, League One & Two, the National League and a short spell in the Northern Premier Division One South/East.
“Nile has undoubted ability and should offer a different dynamic to the Poppies squad. We would like to welcome Nile to Latimer Park and hope he has a successful time with the club.”
The now 33-year-old has been troubled by off-field problems throughout his career, whether that be prison spells, legal battles or discipline issues. It has saw Ranger plummet down the English pyramid when he once tipped to reach the very top.
He 62 appearance for Newcastle before having contract terminated in 2013. Speaking to FourFourTwo back in 2020, Ranger said: "I’m treated as the Osama bin Laden of football. I can’t blame anyone else – it’s all been self-inflicted and I’ve had more than my fair share of chances to change.
"I know I don’t have time to waste. I hope and pray I’ll get one last chance. If I do, I’m ready to grab it with both hands."