"I Could Have Been Haaland": Former Newcastle Drops to England’s 8th Tier in Final Bid to Revive Career | OneFootball

Ex Premier League striker joins Wellingborough Town after prison, controversy and a decade of wasted potential

"I Could Have Been Haaland": Former Newcastle Drops to England’s 8th Tier in Final Bid to Revive Career

It’s a name many Premier League fans haven’t heard in years: Nile Ranger. Once tipped as one of English football’s brightest attacking talents, the 34 year old striker is attempting one last comeback after turbulent career that’s seen more headlines in courtrooms than on the pitch.

The former Newcastle United forward has officially signed with Wellingborough Town , a modest club competing in England’s 8th tier (Northern Premier League Division One Midlands).

From Premier League promise to prison & oblivion

Ranger burst onto the scene at St. James Park in 2009 making over 50 appearance for Newcastle and earning lucrative £10000 a week contract as teenager. But while his pace, power & finishing made him promising prospect , a string of off field incidents derailed his rise.

In 2007 Ranger served time in young offenders institute for armed robbery and decade later he was sentenced to 28 month in prison for online fraud.

Along the way he battled gambling addiction, skipped training at multiple clubs and burned bridges at Swindon, Blackpool & Southend United due to disciplinary issues.

Kettering redemption & dramatic exit

After spending nearly 2 year without club, Ranger reignited his career at Kettering Town in 2022 scoring 18 goal across all competitions and becoming fan favourite even scoring famous FA Cup winner against Northampton Town.

But despite joint top scorer status this season (6 goal in 10 game), his time at Kettering ended abruptly earlier this week.

The club described his exit as being by "mutual consent" , a claim Ranger appeared to challenge on social media by reposting fan messages suggesting "there was nothing mutual about it".

Regardless the London born forward has wasted no time finding new home just 7.5 miles away at Wellingborough Town.

A final chapter at Wellingborough Town

Announcing the move, Wellingborough said in statement:

"Everyone at the club is excited to have Nile on board and we look forward to utilising his experience & pedigree. Welcome, Nile!"

The move marks the 9th club of Ranger’s career and significant drop from the Premier League spotlight to team 18th in the 8th tier and fighting relegation.