Five Rangers players have been released including club captain Steve Palmer as the club continues its negotiations with out of contract players this summer.
The contracts of a number of high profile first teamers reached there end on the 31st May and as the club frantically tries to renew and offer improved deals, others are being told they are no longer considered part of the managers plans. For some, especially the youngsters it is a sickening blow as they come into the reality of professional football.
Palmer was joined by Terrell Forbes (2 years ago voted player of the season), Dennis Oli, Ben Walshe and Richard Pacquette. The club is currently talking to the remaining individuals about extending or terminating contracts.
It is believed that manager Ian Holloway has aspirations to offer new deals to Marc Bircham, Paul Furlong, Matthew Rose, Richard Johnson and Clarke Carlisle. And after going through the tough decisions of who to release and who to sign on and it is back to thrashing out new deals to satisfy player and club.
The news of Steve Palmer’s release may not cause many eyebrows to be raised but more sympathy for a player who joined Rangers in one of our darkest days. He took on the leadership for the club playing in the heart of defence and midfield throughout his three years at the club and was instrumental in the re-establishing of the R’s. He brought a wealth of experience along with a cool, encouraging head making over 140 appearances and scoring 10 goals in his time at the club.
Steve wanted to pursue his playing career for at least another year which he made it clear to all but it was speculated that he may be appointed Ollie’s new assistant. However, interest from Kenny Jackett’s Swansea City may pursued him to move to the Welsh city to further his career and coaching credentials.
R’s chief executive David Davies was quick to praise Palmer for his time at the club.
"The Club owes Steve a considerable debt as he came to the Club in its darkest hour, and his leadership has enabled the Club to move forward, out of the shadows.
"We recognise that Steve still has ambitions to continue playing, and we wish him all the very best in his quest to find a new club."
Terrell Forbes meanwhile may count the cost of ending up in jail for accusations of rape for not being offered a new deal. Forbes joined the same time as Palmer and was impressive in his first full season since signing from West Ham where he came through the academy. Whether playing at centre or right back he always looked assured but lacked a cutting edge when coming forward at right back. This season he has been in and out of form and never seemed to reach the heights he reached in his first season at the club.
Richard Pacquette was a highly rated Rangers youngster who came through the ranks but never really performed to his potential. Blessed with pace and good body strength his build was ideal for a centre forward. Never really lived up to his reputation and apparently had "attitude problems" which may have cost him his place. Joined Mansfield Town on loan earlier in the season in what could have been his big new break but again failed to perform.
Ben Walshe is another of the youngsters with an excellent reputation who found it hard to live up to. The left-sided midfielder is apparently a target of Yeovil Town where he will look to resurrect his early career.
Dennis Oli spent a few months on loan at non-league sides this season as he found it increasingly difficult to break into the first team. Following the arrival of Tony Thorpe and Jamie Cureton, Oli was never going to be given a proper chance and lacked the quality needed at second division level. A move to non-league beckons if Oli wants his career to blossom.
So far only five players are left looking for a new club as compared to previous seasons but it is hoped amongst many fans that that number stays the same. Many of the remaining players are surely going to form the nucleus of a squad capable of battling it out in the first division.
Following Palmer’s departure it is now regarded that Reserve team manager Tim Breacker will take over the role as Ollie’s new assistant. No confirmation has been given but speculation is mounting over Breacker’s future as coach and assistant manager seems to fit the build for what he may be after.