Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Flanagan starts afresh at Ibrox
NEW Rangers defender Jon Flanagan i s targeting a fresh start i n Glasgow following the off-field issues that brought an end to his spell at Liverpool.
The 25-year-old full-back will be reunited with Steven Gerrard after signing a twoyear deal with the I brox club following his release earlier this summer.
Flanagan, capped once by England, featured regularly alongside Gerrard at Liverpool and has now been offered the chance to rebuild his reputation under the former midfielder.
As well as suffering a number of injury problems throughout his career, Flanagan was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend and given a 12-month community order earlier this year f ollowing an incident in December.
The defender is hoping the move to Scotland can help him move on, and he said: “I think this is a fresh start and I think it i s a platform for me to build on.
“The past is the past and this is now time for a fresh start.That is at Rangers and I can’t wait to get going.”
Gerrard has now made seven signings since starting his first senior management role and Flanagan admits his presence made the decision simple.
“When I got the call off my agent and then spoke to Stevie, I think it was a nobrainer for me,” he added. “I’m just delighted to be here and, hopefully, I can show all the fans what I’m about.
“I played with him at Liverpool for many years and I think he was a big part of me coming here.
“I know a lot about the club but Stevie was a massive influence on me coming here.”
Rangers were drawn to face Macedonian side Shkupi in the first round of Europa League qualifying.