The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Gerrard lands Arfield as first signing as manager of Rangers
RANGERS: Gerrard’s first signing returns to Scotland ‘a far better player’
Scott Arfield feels he left Scotland a “wee boy” and returns a “natural leader” who is ready to meet the expectations of playing for Rangers.
The former Falkirk midfielder has signed a four-year contract at Ibrox after leaving Burnley on a high following their seventh-place finish in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old spent eight years in England with Huddersfield and the Clarets and is excited about the prospect of returning to his native land at a fascinating time for his new club. “I left a good player, I have come back a far better player – mentally, physically,” he said.
“With my time in England, with promotions and relegations, it can only enhance your career. I think I have come back a more natural leader. I went down there almost like a wee boy.
“I fully believe I can handle the expectation at a club like this. When you come here you expect it, and I’m ready.”
Arfield revealed interest from Rangers first materialised several months ago.
“As soon as interest came in, it was something I wanted to jump on,” he said.
“There were a few options in England that could have crept up but as soon as this magnitude of club came in, and coming back up the road was something that appealed to me and my family, it was a no-brainer.
“I have been down there for a number of years and I felt I had to come back up to a club that is only going to go on to better things. Leaving the Premier League wasn’t as big a deal as it would maybe be for other players.”
Arfield’s excitement intensified when he discovered Steven Gerrard was going to be his new manager.
“If you don’t get excited by it, you shouldn’t walk through the front door. With Gary McAllister as well, it’s exciting times and I’m so happy to be part of it,” he said.
“Even before the manager walks in with his number two, Glasgow Rangers have that appeal. It certainly appeals to me regardless of who the manager is. I think it enhances it but the stature of the club was already there.
“I was lucky enough to play against him (Gerrard) and it was one of the highlights of my career. When you go down there, you want to play against the best, and he is one of the top two or three players in my generation.”