‘Absolutely devastated’ – Exclusive: Hutton reacts to official Rangers reveal
Alan Hutton admits he was “gutted” to see Rangers confirm that Andy Halliday will be leaving Ibrox at the end of his contract.
The former Gers and Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, believes the 28-year-old will be feeling “devastated” to see his time at the club come to an end.
Rangers confirmed last week that Halliday, along with Jon Flanagan, Wes Foderingham, Jason Holt, Jordan Rossiter and Jak Alnwick, would be leaving Ibrox when his contract expires next month.
Halliday, a boyhood Rangers fan, joined the Light Blues on a free after leaving Bradford back in 2015 and has made over 150 appearances for the club.
Hutton has lauded the versatile midfielder for his contribution and admits he is feeling pretty emotional about his impending exit.
Hutton told Football Insider: “I was definitely gutted for him, we all know how much he loves the club and how much it means to him.
“The only thing I can see is maybe Gerrard trying to look and free up some space to get somebody else in. He was a great player in terms of he can play multiple positions.
“He can go in and do a job and more often than not do it well. I really believe you need characters like this in your squad – players who are willing to play all day, know what the club is about, it means a lot to them, they wear heart on their sleeve.
“To be honest I’m just gutted for him because I know how it feels, it’s a bit like myself when I left Villa, you’re absolutely devastated, you don’t want to see it come to an end.”
Halliday has played most of this season as a left-back for Steven Gerrard, with 12 appearances across all competitions.
He also made a surprise loan move to Azerbaijan side FK Qabala where he turned out seven times between July 2017 and January 2018.
In other Rangers news, it can be REVEALED the club have opened talks to sign a Liverpool-born attacker.