Pundit claims Rangers have made significant ‘mistake’ over Defoe exit
Rangers may have made a mistake in letting Jermain Defoe leave the club mid-season.
That’s according to former Celtic hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider following the veteran’s departure.
Rangers confirmed Defoe had left the club last week (Wednesday, 12 January).
Speaking to Sky Sports News on Friday (14 January), the striker lifted the lid on his exit and the difficulty he faced with his player-coach role at Ibrox.
He took the new role after signing a one-year contract extension last summer (2021).
McAvennie insists the former Tottenham striker’s influence will be missed at Auchenhowie.
“I thought it wouldn’t work as soon as Gerrard left,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“The whole reason Defoe came on as coach was because of his relationship with Gerrard.
“As soon as he left, I think this was on the cards. The good thing for Defoe is that he will have so many options.
“You don’t lose the kind of ability he has, he always scored goals for Rangers he just didn’t have a chance this season.
“I have said a few times that having him around the training ground must be amazing for the young players.
“In that aspect, it’s a mistake to let him go mid-season but you can’t keep him if he wants to go.”
Defoe played just twice for Rangers this season.
He scored 32 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions for the Light Blues.
In other news, one pundit claims Celtic are now in control as Rangers ‘can’t deal’ with title ‘pressure’.