Wrexham striker Ryan Hardie stuns fans with his surprise visit during the Celtic vs Rangers derby during the past weekend.
In football, fans often bookmark derby matches on their calendars because they don’t take place every month. That’s the notorious nature of derbies, with most fierce rivalries usually played twice a year or at most three times.
The Celtic vs Rangers derby aka the Glasgow derby, is quite entertaining in this aspect. It easily happens 5-6 times a year, but the essence of this showdown extends far beyond Scottish football.
Many Championship clubs and fans keep an eye on the Celtic vs Rangers derby. Firstly, because every tie between them has the potential to decide the next Scottish title holder.
Secondly, as any massive result can impact the transfer future of certain second tier sides. Yesterday was one such Glasgow derby day. Without being biased, the entire 90 minute action was worthy of being called a Cup final.
Wrexham were transfer winners from Celtic vs Rangers derby
Although Celtic has enjoyed the lion’s share of success over Rangers in the recent derbies, the Ibrox outfit piled a dramatic 3-1 comeback to sweep the 3 points home. From Wrexham’s point of view, one couldn’t have asked for a much better result than this.
Had the Hoops claimed a win and kept a clean sheet on top of it, Rangers would have come knocking on the Red Dragons door once again. Why? Simple, for taking Josh Windass on a January loan transfer.
For over two weeks now, the Gers are obsessed with Windass homecoming. Their attack has stayed toothless for most of the season, thus, they are requesting Wrexham to part ways with the 31 year old for Rangers betterment.
It’s a different story that Wrexham are also open to the idea of Josh Windass leaving. But why entertain that thought when Rangers are in a good mood atleast for now.
Ryan Hardie watches Celtic vs Rangers derby
However, the Wrexham-Rangers headlines aren’t going away any time soon. As pointed out by Rangers official handle on X(formerly Twitter), Wrexham forward Ryan Hardie went to witness Rangers pull off a second half turnaround to claim the Glasgow derby bragging rights.
Now, from an individual perspective, rooting for his boyhood club from the stands isn’t wrong on Hardie’s part. For the fans, these kinds of visits during the season doesn’t leave a good image while the player is under contract at a different club.
Wrexham fans are right to judge whether Hardie has given up on his ambitions to succeed at the Racecourse. Being real, it’s tough for the Scot to earn a place in Phil Parkinson’s eyes when in-form players like Ollie Rathbone and Sam Smith’s starting role isn’t set in stone.
Then, you’ve got the first choice attacking trinity of Nathan Broadhead, Kieffer Moore and Josh Windass which can easily sway Hardie’s mind into quitting.
If that is the case, then what can be Ryan Hardie’s best step from here? The Scottish Premiership, maybe, as many teams competing in that division will do better with the former Plymouth Argyle hero’s goalscoring talent.
Ryan Hardie to Rangers loan transfer makes perfect sense
Even Hardie’s beloved Rangers can be a possible option. He has spent an entire decade between climbing through the youth ranks at Ibrox and earning himself a fair few loan moves.
Now that he craves for minutes despite putting strong numbers in front of goal in recent years. And Rangers also wish for new forwards, the Ryan Hardie to Rangers switch can suit both parties.
A six month initial loan from Wrexham to Rangers wouldn’t cost a huge amount of risk and funds to everyone involved, from the player’s side to both clubs. On paper, Hardie can start with a backup No.9 role at Rangers and then work his way to favour under Danny Rohl with his performances.
Off the pitch, Hardie would have no issue becoming a Rangers fan favourite in a short time. As of now, there are no rumours circling around Ryan Hardie and Rangers, but hey, one can never rule out any possibility in transfer markets.
Ryan Hardie to Rangers makes a lot of sense. Let’s see if some movements happen in this space.
