Bates makes shock move to Bundesliga

RangeRs: Former Raith Rovers man joins Hamburg on free transfer

Hamburg have announced the signing of Rangers defender David Bates on a four-year deal.

The Bundesliga club announced the shock move on their official website.

The 21-year-old, currently sidelined with an ankle injury, will join the German outfit in the summer on what Hamburg described as a free transfer.

Scouting director Johannes Spors told his club’s official website: “David brings the combination of height, speed, mentality and responsibility, attributes which will be good for the HSV defence.

“He is a down-to-earth guy who wants to actively develop his career and work hard for it.”

Bates joined the Light Blues from Raith Rovers, initially on loan in August 2016, before signing a permanent contract the following January.

He made his Gers debut against Kilmarnock in April 2017 and was thought by many to be the future of the Ibrox club’s central defence, along with fellow youngster Ross McCrorie.

However, talks over extending his contract beyond the summer were slow to take off and he had previously been linked with Sunderland.

Bates has not played since injuring himself in the 3-2 defeat by Celtic at Ibrox last month in his 25th first team appearance.

The Fifer has no chance of being involved in Sunday’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park.

However, the news of his departure will come as huge disappointment for the Gers fans, who are hoping their side prevent Celtic completing their second successive domestic treble.

Meanwhile, Alfredo Morelos is available to feature for the Ibrox men after having a yellow card for simulation rescinded by the Scottish FA.

The striker was shown a yellow card by referee Greg Aitken in the second half of Gers’ 4-0 win over Dundee at the weekend, earning him a one-match ban.

Morelos appealed against the decision on Tuesday after he hit the floor following a challenge by keeper Elliot Parish and has had the booking rescinded by the SFA.

He will now be available for Graeme Murty’s side in the first of their post-split fixtures against Hearts at Ibrox on April 22.

Off the field, Rangers have appointed Douglas Park as deputy chairman.

The transport firm boss is one of the so-called Three Bears, who wrestled effective control of the club from Mike Ashley in March 2015 along with South Africa-based chairman Dave King.

A statement on the club website read: “Rangers International Football Club Plc (“RIFC”) is pleased to announce that Douglas Park has become deputy chairman of the club.

“Mr Park, now based in Scotland, has kindly made himself available to adopt a more prominent position within the club. The role of deputy chairman allows Douglas to assist the club by providing an important local interaction between RIFC and the executive running the football club.

“This appointment was requested by the chairman who believes that the position of a Scottish-based deputy chairman will assist him in the ongoing implementation of the club’s business strategy.”

The Park’s Motor Group founder spent five months on the football club’s board before stepping down and being replaced by his son, Graeme, in August 2015, stating that he could not make a full contribution because of other commitments. Park was spending much of his time in Spain at that stage.

But the Lanarkshire businessman joined the RIFC plc’s board in November 2015. The 68-year-old is the fifth largest shareholder with a 6% stake.

Park is one of several directors and shareholders who made interest-free loans to Rangers in recent years. His loan is due to be repaid this year, according to the most recent company accounts.

Mr Park, above, now based in Scotland, has kindly made himself available to adopt a more prominent position within the club

Picture: SNS. David Bates will ply his trade in Germany.