To be fair, the heart of this is simple: a lot of our new signings come from smaller clubs and suddenly find themselves in a very different world. Big wages, flashy cars and the whole Ibrox picture can dazzle anyone. If we want lads to become real players for Rangers, someone has to slow the spin and help them see what being here really means.

Why the shine gets to them

Young players arriving from lower leagues often haven’t had to manage the lifestyle that comes with a big move. It’s natural — get your first proper wage packet and a car, and your head does a wee turn. You can see why: new money, new surroundings, a crowd and expectation. That rush changes behaviour; it’s not nastiness, it’s biology. They feel like stars before all the hard work is done.

What the club can do

There’s no mystery solution. Regular, practical support works. Short, mandatory sessions on money management, media training, and basic life skills are useful, but they need to sit alongside proper psychological support. Football psychologists and counsellors aren’t a luxury — they’re a steadying hand. Bring in ex-players from our Wall of Fame to talk about what it actually took to succeed here. Get older staff involved as mentors. Make it routine, not a one-off.

A personal reminder

I’m 73 and I’ve lived with depression and physical pain. I did eight weekly sessions with a counsellor recently and it helped — I’m not fixed, but it made a difference. That’s why I’m blunt about the youngsters: help works, and it has to be constant. Keep repeating the message until the penny drops. Pull them down a peg or two when needed, but also teach them why the club’s history and standards matter.

Truth is, we want them to see beyond the short term. If Rangers can combine practical life skills, psychological support and the wisdom of former players, that’s how bright sparks stop burning out and start building proper careers in our colours.

Written by Blue Laudrup: 13 August 2026

Tags: transfers