Star’s former manager suggests ‘there is no way’ he joins Rangers this summer

They say you should ‘never go back’. And as reports continue to swirl suggesting that a former Rangers player could be on his way back to Ibrox in the summer transfer window, his one-time manager certainly subscribes to such a theory.

That Scottish Cup final blunder aside – Player of the Year Jack Butland proving his own mortality at the very worst moment as Adam Idah pounced with 90 minutes on the clock – Rangers‘ number one has been outstanding between the sticks throughout 2023/24.

If Butland stays put, and the former England international suggested in April that he will, how would Liam Kelly feel about heading back to the blue side of Glasgow before taking up a seat on the Ibrox bench?

Well, according to a man who knows the soon-to-be free-agent shot-stopper better than most, talks with Rangers would not go very far if Kelly finds out there is a benchwarming role awaiting him on the blue side of the city.

Sligo , Ireland – 28 July 2022; Liam Kelly of Motherwell reacts during the UEFA Europa Conference League 2022/23 Second Qualifying Round First Leg …

“There’s no way Kells would go there accepting that he’s number two,” Graham Alexander, who coached Motherwell in 2021/22, tells the Scottish Sun. “He won’t just be happy to play second fiddle. That’s not in his nature.”

Alexander’s Firhill successor – Stuart Kettlewell – confirmed on Friday that Scotland international Kelly would be leaving the club he captained last season. Negotiations are reportedly underway with Rangers, via Sky Sports, the 28-year-old maybe feeling he has unfinished business at a club where he started his career but did not make a senior appearance before leaving for Livingston.

“If Rangers sign him, they’ll have a real competitor on their hands,” Alexander adds. “And that can only be good for the squad and the number one at the time.

“I’m not surprised that big clubs want to sign him. He’s a superb goalkeeper. Whatever he chooses, he’ll give it his best shot. And, in his mind, he’ll see himself as competing for the number one job.”

Kelly, a leader and a fierce competitor, featured in over 130 successive Scottish Premiership games at Motherwell. Life as a back-up, then, would certainly take some getting used to. But if Butland does depart – and that cannot be entirely ruled out amid interest from below the border – Rangers would have a fine replacement on their hands.

Jack Butland future uncertain at Ibrox
“He’s a brilliant character who drives standards, gives other confidence and is a great, supporting team-mate. He works extremely hard at his game. He’s a terrific pro,” adds the now-Bradford manager.

“He was a great support for us at Motherwell. He was one of our trusted lieutenants at the club. I had a brilliant time working with him, he’s a great lad.

“He has a huge determination to win and to play well. I don’t think that would change wherever he went.”

Kelly’s potential return could open up the door for Robby McCrorie to depart. McCrorie has been vocal about his desire for more consistent minutes, having barely kicked a ball since Butland’s arrival in 2023.