Cooper 11
Well-Known Member
I would have been in my mid teens at the time, but wondering everyone’s recollections of King Richard’s departure from the Rangers.
If I remember correctly he had stated his intent to leave at the end of season 96/97 (9iar) to finish his career in the states.
I seem to remember my old man had said he was going there to top up his pension in the MLS, but I find it hard to think of that being the case as I don’t think it had anything like the money it has now and he signed for Kansas City Wizards, hardly a big name or sexy team.
Goughy came home a few months later to fill in during an injury crisis, poor early season form and scored the winner on his “debut” against the tims in attempt to push us to 10.
(Side note: What a double save from Goram & what was Gough doing in the box, but what a finish!)
Gough and most of our 9iar hero’s left at the end of that season and although he returned to the the States to sign of San Jose Clash, he was quickly back in the UK on loan to Forest, then teaming up with Sir Walter again at Everton where he played 60 games over 2 seasons in the Premiership up to the age of 39.
Given he was the ultimate professional and still in top shape to this day that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
But what really was the reason for his departure from Rangers first time around?
Did he think the writing was on the wall with the big money signings of ‘97 (Amoruso etc)?
Why didn’t he fancy potentially captaining us to 10? (This one still rankles the most with me)
Was it a case of him playing in the states, then realising he missed the professionalism of the British game that made him return 3 times?
If I remember correctly he had stated his intent to leave at the end of season 96/97 (9iar) to finish his career in the states.
I seem to remember my old man had said he was going there to top up his pension in the MLS, but I find it hard to think of that being the case as I don’t think it had anything like the money it has now and he signed for Kansas City Wizards, hardly a big name or sexy team.
Goughy came home a few months later to fill in during an injury crisis, poor early season form and scored the winner on his “debut” against the tims in attempt to push us to 10.
Gough and most of our 9iar hero’s left at the end of that season and although he returned to the the States to sign of San Jose Clash, he was quickly back in the UK on loan to Forest, then teaming up with Sir Walter again at Everton where he played 60 games over 2 seasons in the Premiership up to the age of 39.
Given he was the ultimate professional and still in top shape to this day that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
But what really was the reason for his departure from Rangers first time around?
Did he think the writing was on the wall with the big money signings of ‘97 (Amoruso etc)?
Why didn’t he fancy potentially captaining us to 10? (This one still rankles the most with me)
Was it a case of him playing in the states, then realising he missed the professionalism of the British game that made him return 3 times?