1) Chris DAY/ Goalkeeper/ (28-07-75) English/ Contract Expires- June 2005
"Daisey" was signed from Watford for the start of the 2001-2002 season by current boss Ian Holloway. Daisey went straight into the number one jersey and performed brilliantly until he was seriously injured in a clash against Oldham Athletic. He was sidelined for nearly a year and had to wait for his chance to come. He waited patiently on the bench until making a superb return between the sticks. A reliable keeper, his shot stopping and bravery are superb and his reflexes and handling rarely let the team down. Ex- Tottenham and Crystal Palace he will be eager to show his capabilities in the Coca-Cola Championship next season.
2) Marcus BIGNOT/ right/left back/ (22-08-74) English/ Contract Expires- June 2005
"Biggy" came back to Rangers for his second spell after signing on deadline day from Rushden & Diamonds. He has been signed three times by Ian Holloway now after spells at Rangers and Bristol Rovers. A diminutive defender, what Marcus lacks in height he makes up for in fight. A whole-hearted player, Biggy is never afraid to back out of challenges and is always there to call upon when needed. Fantastic stamina is backed up by his extraordinary strength for a player who is only just 5ft tall. He offers pace and agility down either flank and is a useful, versatile member of the squad.
3) Gino PADULA/ left back/ (11-07-76) Argentinean/ Contract Expires- June 2005
"Gino" is definitely one of the crowd’s favourites. The South American who supports a ponytail has been one of the most consistent performers for Rangers since breaking into the first team. After unsuccessful spells at Wigan Athletic and Walsall, Ian Holloway gambled on bringing the Samba star to Loftus Road in the hope of finding the flair and skill he was capable of. After taking a couple of months to settle in London he has blossomed into a marvellous defender. Gino also whips in a dangerous free-kick and is a key player at set-pieces for Rangers. Last summer (2003) he rejected the overtures from Reading to sign a new deal at Rangers. Gino made the "2nd Division Select X1" this year after another successful season at W12.
4) Richard EDGHILL/ left/right back/ (23-09-74) English/ Contract Expires- June 2005
"Edgy" is another player who finds himself currently out of contract. Ian Holloway has offered the defender a new contract after being impressed with his displays at both right and left back. Edgy made over 200 appearances for Manchester City over 10 years also being named captain in his last season. He was signed after a short-term spell at Sheffield United last September and has been a key part of the promotion winning defence. Similar to Marcus Bignot he offers pace and strength that punches well above his weight on either flank. A determined performer he wears his heart on his sleeve and never offers anything less than is asked. Signed a 1 year extension this summer to stay in W12.
5) Danny SHITTU/ centre back/ (02-09-80) Nigerian/ Contract Expires- June 2006
"Big Dan" has been a massive figure in the heart of defence since signing from Charlton Athletic. He impressed in a loan spell before Rangers fans made a move possible for the giant defender. The fans still pay the players’ wages after the club could not afford his £250,000 fee or contract.
Dan made a formidable defensive partnership with Clarke Carlisle and scared the pants off opposing forwards. He also won his first Nigerian cap, fittingly at Loftus Road in a friendly against Jamaica in 2002. It’s not just his size that makes him such an awesome player. He combines strength with superb pace and acceleration making sure no attackers can get past him. He received a crushing injury at Bournemouth this year however and will be out of action for 9 months. It remains to be seen if he can recover fully and take his place in the centre of defence. It also remains to be seen who will partner the giant following Carlisle’s departure.
6) Richard JOHNSON/ centre-midfield/ (27-04-74) Australian/ Contract Expiry- June 2005
A touch tackling midfielder signed from Stoke on transfer deadline day this March. He made 277 appearances for Watford in over 11 seasons and has had a short spell at Colchester United too. Impressed following his signing alongside Bircham in the heart of the midfield, an excellent ball-winner he is also capable of passing the ball accurately. Always does the simple things well and stands out as a consistent performer. Out-of-contract this summer he has been offered a new deal and is expected to sign up and reject an offer from Swansea City. Should be lining up for Rangers next season in the Coca-Cola Championship. An Australian international. Signed a new 1 year deal to stay at Rangers for another year this summer.
7) Matthew ROSE/ centre back, midfield/ (24-09-75) English/ Contract Expires- June 2006
Matty Rose is Rangers’ longest serving player out of the current squad. He joined from Arsenal when Bruce Rioch and Stewart Houston were in charge in May 1997 at Loftus Road and has survived the chop of managers such as Ray Harford, Gerry Francis and now Ian Holloway. A former FA Youth Cup winning captain with the Gunners he cost Rangers £500,000. "Rosie" can operate in the heart of defence or midfield and always offers 110%. Not the most spectacular player he always does the simple things well and covers every blade of grass. Rosie proved his worth to the squad in the final games of this season. With Danny Shittu injured, Rosie stepped in to receive plenty of plaudits for his outstanding performances in defence, especially at Hillsborough. Rosie’s only problems have been to stay away from niggling injuries, which seem to hamper him every season. Hopefully he will have a good run of games next season after being offered a new deal this summer keeping him in W12 for another 2 years.
8) Marc BIRCHAM/ centre midfield/ (11-05-78) Canadian/ Contract Expires- June 2007
"Birch" is a massive Rangers fan and moved to Loftus Road after rejecting offers from the Premiership in the summer of 2002. He came through the Millwall youth system and remained a Lion until his dream move came. Sporting his blue and white haircuts he runs around in midfield non-stop thanks to his untiring stamina. Most of his work is done off the ball in winning back possession and thwarting opposition attacks. An aggressive tackler Birch is also capable of stringing some useful balls around the field but he prefers getting his knees dirty tackling in the middle. He scored a wonderful goal away at Brentford in the last few weeks of the 2002-03 season but rarely ever scores. He offers commitment, work rate and an engine in the R’s midfield. Birch is also a Canadian international. He signed a new 3-year contract at the club this summer.
9) Tony THORPE/ striker/ (10-04-74) English/ Contract Expires- June 2005
"Thorpey" or "Thorpedo" is everyone’s definition of a striker. The "fox-in-the-box" Thorpey always pops up at the right time to score goals. A neat and tidy player he is also very influential in the build-up to attacks. He combines well with quick feet and his eye for goal is excellent. His career has included two spells at Luton as well as stays at Bristol City and Fulham and he has netted well over 150 career goals. The much-travelled poacher averages a goal every other game. Signed from Luton last autumn he made an immediate impact and is now part of the "fab four" strikers Rangers boast.
10) Kevin GALLEN/ striker (21-09-75) English/ Contract Expires- June 2005
"King Kev" is another self-confessed Rangers fan who is heading to legendary status at Loftus Road. After breaking all sorts of goalscoring records as a youngster, Kev broke into the R’s team to partner Les Ferdinand as a teenager. Following relegation to the 1st Division, Gallen began to play a big part in pulling the R’s back up but to suffer a career threatening injury. He snapped his cruciate ligaments in a clash against Portsmouth, sidelining him for up to a year. When returning Kev found it tough to regain his pace despite keeping his fabulous touch and control. After disappointing many R’s fans as well as himself he left for Huddersfield Town on a free transfer and went onto Barnsley from there. After feeling home sick, Rangers brought him back to London on a free transfer after 15 months away and he came back fitter and sharper. He netted 16 goals last season and spearheaded the Rangers attack throughout the season. All Rangers fans still wonder what level Kev could have played at if he hadn’t have been so unluckily injured. It is still widely regarded that he has the talent to play in the Premiership, especially if his strike-rate continued.
11) Gareth AINSWORTH/ winger/ (10-05-73) English/ Contract Expires- June 2005
"Wild Thing" moved to Rangers on a free transfer last summer after being
released by Cardiff following their promotion. QPR are Gareth’s 8th club and in October 1998 he cost Wimbledon £2million after moving from Port Vale. "Wild Thing" started his career at Loftus Road with a big bang, hitting five goals in his first four games, including two stunning strikes at Rushden & Diamonds. His career has been slowed down due to a number of injuries but one thing is for sure, when he plays he gives all he’s got. A huge heart, plenty of passion as well as pace, strength and a little skill, when Gareth’s in full flow his dazzling runs are a joy to watch. Yet to really prove himself after being a potential star as a youngster he will be another keen to show his talents in the Coca-Cola Championship.
12) Nick CULKIN/ goalkeeper/ (06-07-78) English/ Contract Expires- June 2005
Nicky Culkin joined Rangers from Manchester United in the summer of 2001 but hasn’t featured as much as he would like. His height is his main asset making him dominant at corners and crosses but a lack of confidence sometimes unnerves him in vital situations. He is yet to make the number one jersey his own and has missed out on occasions due to unfortunate injuries. Next season will be a big one if he wants to be offered a new deal come June.
13) Jake COLE/ goalkeeper/ (11-09-85) English/ Contract Expires- Scholars Contract
A young goalkeeper who has come through the youth system at Rangers. He has made several appearances in the reserves over the past two seasons and has impressed many. Nearly found himself on the bench this season after a keeper-crisis at Loftus Road. Unfortunately Jake was also sidelined through injury and has yet to make the first eleven. He did however gain some valuable first team experience when sent to Hayes on "work experience" in the 2003-04 season. A good future is on the cards for the youngster.
14) Martin ROWLANDS/ midfield/ (08-02-79) Irish/ Contract Expires- June 2007
"Rowly" was without doubt the Rangers Player of the Season for 2003-04. Following his move from Brentford in the close season he worked hard on his fitness having broken his leg towards the end of 2003. When given his chance whether it be; right-back, right or left midfield or in the centre of midfield, Rowly has delivered fine man-of-the-match displays which wouldn’t go unnoticed in a higher division. Deservedly won his first Irish caps this summer and should blossom next year in the Coca-Cola Championship. Rowly combines his pace with some outstanding skills and trickery. His range of passing is also close to perfection and his fine stamina makes him able to go a full 90 minutes without stopping (it seems). Excellent balance, creativity and dribbling Rowly is a fine all-round player. Signed a new 3 year deal this summer.
15) Jamie CURETON/ striker/ (28-08-75) English/ Contract Expires- June 2005
"Curo" is well-known from his Bristol Rovers and Reading days where he blasted over 140 career goals until moving to Korea and Busan Icons. Former boss Ian Holloway brought the prolific striker back to Britain after he rejected deals elsewhere such as Sunderland.
Curo is extremely pacey as well as skilful. He rarely misses the target when well placed and is a constant threat around the penalty area. One of the leagues smallest players he is hard to pick up due to his first class movement and positioning. Featured mainly from the bench last season after lacking fitness from his Korean exploits, he will be looking forward to his first full season since moving back to Britain. When he did figure he was used mainly as a wide player but doubled up as a striker. He hit two superb goals at home to Port Vale to get his Rangers tally started, the goals earnt the R's three vital promotion points. A lot is promised of him next season.
16) Marcus BEAN/ centre-midfield/ (02-11-84) English/ Contract Expires- June 2006
"Beano’" is an old-fashioned centre-midfielder. Since making his debut as a 17-year old and being sent-off he has flourished into a buzzing lanky player who is excellent at breaking the oppositions game down. Similar to Marc Bircham, he lacks the cutting edge of being a good passer of the ball but makes up for it in spirit. Stepped into the midfield whenever called upon and silenced his critics with his no-nonsense approach. Beano has made over 40 appearances for the R’s scoring once. Beano signed a new 1-year extension to his contractl at Loftus Road this June.
17) Lee COOK/ left-midfield/ (03-08-82) English/ Contract Expiry- June 2007
Cookie finally signed permanently for Rangers in July 2004 after a long dragged out deal which saw Ian Holloway patiently waiting to sign his man. Started his career at Aylesbury Town before moving to Vicarage Road. Ian Holloway gave him his first chance in a loan spell ar Rangers. Cookie impressed in his spell and returned to Watford as a first-team starter. Since then his reputation has grown and the Hornets tried every trick in the book, hoping Cookie would stay when his contract expired in July 2004- even offereing a massive new improved deal to stay. Cookie rejected it in favour of signing with his boyhood heroes QPR. He signed a three-year deal at Loftus Road ahead of the new Coca-Cola Championship.
Cookie is a very talented left sided midfielder. A great team-player, he always gives 110% without lacking commitment. He offers an avenue of attack down the left side with his trickery and pace. Two-footed but favours his left he also has an eye for goals. At 5ft 9 what he lacks in height he makes up with effort, application and skill. An excellent player who should flourish in the side of his boyhood heroes.
18) Kevin MCLEOD/ left-midfield/ (12-09-80) English/ Contract Expires- June 2005
"Macca" joined Rangers permanently earlier this season after impressing in the 2002-03 season and the run-up to the playoff final defeat. Learnt his trade in the Everton youth academy but never made a start for the Toffees and cost the R’s close to £200,000. Macca will be disappointed with the outcome of this season after loosing confidence and finding it difficult to score goals.
His strengths include pace, acceleration as well as powerful running. When he receives the ball in space he uses his speed and strength very well; opposition players find it very difficult to knock him off the ball. Macca is also very strong in the air and wins vital headers when coming in from the left.
He will be looking forward to his first full season at Rangers; winning his form back and getting his head down to run at defenders.
19) Terrell FORBES/ right/centre back/ (17-08-81) English/ Contract Expires- Month-to Month
Terrell has had a rollercoaster ride at Loftus Road since signing from West Ham United in 3 years ago. In his first year he won the Rangers Player of the Year and won many admirers for his superb defensive displays down the right. Although first brought in as a centre back, Forbes' performances in the right-back slot meant he made the position his own for two years, saving many goals with his last-ditch tackles. Going forward however let him down regurly, finding him overlapping down the right he failed to produce a decent standard cross on nearly every occasion.
Last year he produced some impressive displays when called upon in the centre of defence but once allegations were made against him as part of a rape his form dipped and he never recovered. Not offered a new deal in the summer until Ollie restored his faith in the player offering him a short-term deal to help solve the defensive crisis.
20) Wes DALY/ midfield/defence/ (07-03-84) English/ Contract Expires- June 2005
Wes is a young player who has been touted as a player for the future for Rangers. Next season could be his decider after being given a few chances and starts for Rangers; he never seemed to grab them fully. A neat player with good technique he struggled to hide his nerves and show what he is capable of. Rated as a good reserve team player he can operate on the right-side of midfield or at right-back. The last two seasons saw Wes being sent out on loan to gain experience which must surely be a good omen and he is thought to be in Ian Holloway’s future plans. He’ll be hoping that he can take his chance this season, should it come around.
21) Jack PERRY/ right-back/ English/ Contract Expires- Scholars Contract
Jack joined Rangers from Stockport County in December 2003 after a year at Edgerly Park.
A regular in Tim Breacker's reserve side last season he will be eager to establish himself in Ian Holloway's squad at right-back and make an impression.
He completed his appranticeship at Rushden & Diamonds before signing professional terms with Stockport were he established himself in the right-hand side of defence.
22) Arthur GNOHERE/ centre-back/ (20-11-78) French/ Contract Expires- June 2006
Arthur was signed following a successful loan spell at Loftus Road earlier this season. He made the deal permanent in February and slotted into the heart of the defence. Signed from Burnley he is a proven 1st Division player so should have no problems fitting into the side in the newly named Coca-Cola Championship. A strong and pacey defender he can operate at left-back as well as in midfield and provides a good influential rock at the back. If partnered with Shittu on his return, it will make for a scarily strong physical presence at the centre of the Rangers rearguard. Brought to England by former Burnley boss Stan Ternant from French club Caen, the Ivory Coast born player has been a great success, winning a number of plaudits in Britain.
29) Paul FURLONG/ striker/ (27-01-69) English/ Contract Expires- June 2005
"Furs" is now in his heading for his third and last full season at Loftus Road. The veteran striker has hit 29 goals in 59 games since signing permanently from Birmingham in September 2000. He once cost Chelsea £2.3million and seems to have been around forever.
He has scored crucial goals for the R’s including winners in the playoff semi-final against Oldham Athletic in 2003 and at Sheffield Wednesday this season. When in-form Furs is almost impossible to stop. Fantastic body-strength he holds the ball up superbly and brings others into play with his experience and ability. Rejected a move to Swansea City this summer to sign a new 1-year deal at Rangers in what will be his last in football. Netted 16 goals this season to help secure promotion.
John FLETCHER/ defender/ (21-12-86) English/ Contract Expires- Scholars Contract
Fletcher was drafted into the Rangers squad earlier this season after impressing many in the reserves. A Rangers trainee he figured prominently for the under 17’s and 19’s before progressing to the reserves this season. Rated as one to watch for the future at Loftus Road.
Ryan JOHNSON/ defender/ (15-01-87) English/ Contract Expires- Scholars Contract
Another who has come through the youth ranks at Loftus Road. Johnson like Fletcher has progressed through the system to be a regular reserve team member this season but failed to make a first team appearance. A big future is tipped for the young defender.