‘Gutted’, ‘Strange one’ – Rangers fans react to shock transfer announcement

Thu 12 April 2018 18:24, UK

Rangers defender David Bates has signed a shock four-year deal with struggling German giants Hamburg SV – and Gers fans can’t decide if it’s good or bad.

The 21-year-old will join Hamburg in the summer when his current Ibrox deal comes to an end with the Light Blues set for compensation from the Germans.

Hamburg confirmed Bates’ signing on their official Twitter account on Thursday in an announcement that came out of nowhere and shocked many involved with the Glasgow club.

✍ Fix! Unser erster Neuzugang für die kommende Saison steht fest. Wir verpflichten den schottischen Innenverteidiger @DavidBates_ von @RangersFC, der bei uns einen Vierjahresvertrag erhält. Der Kontrakt gilt ligaunabhängig. #nurderHSV
???? https://t.co/Fa3ps978AH pic.twitter.com/hKqiEnHmW1
— Hamburger SV (@HSV) April 12, 2018

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Gers fans were hugely split on the news – with one fan saying the Gers should be looking to bring in higher quality than the 21-year-old.

Here are some of their comments on Twitter:

Ngl if David Bates could pass a ball out of defence I would care a little more about him leaving…
— Sebastian Garglespec (@Sssstrachan) April 12, 2018

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Gutted we have let Bates go. At least we can all get his name on our Hamburg shirts
— Josh (@joshsmith1872) April 12, 2018

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MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

Bates was a decent prospect but let’s not kid ourselves, the board would have been heavily criticised if Bates was 1st choice next season and better quality wasn’t brought in.
Bigger issue is it’s yet another kid gone for pennies.
— Chris McLaughlin (@Chr1sMcLaughlin) April 12, 2018

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Think Bates will be a miss best defender we have not saying much but would rather have Bates on Sunday instead of the 2 likely to play. Cracking move for him right enough.
— Ryan (@RFCRyan1872) April 12, 2018

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Strange one about the lad Bates, Hamburg obviously offered him a better deal than what could/would but i wish the lad well hope he succeeds over there!
— David (@Dave_The_Ger) April 12, 2018

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Bates honestly isn’t that big a loss. Should be aiming to bring better players in this summer
— Jeffco???? (@Jeffco1872) April 12, 2018

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If Bates wouldn’t sign a new contract it kinda makes moaning irrelevant. Hamburg may have offered cracking wages for a young guy who has had a handful of impressive games.
— British Scot (@1standlasttweet) April 12, 2018

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The defender joined the Light Blues on loan from Raith Rovers in August 2016 before penning an 18-month permanent contract with the Gers the following January.

After making the first-team breakthrough towards the end of last season, Bates had been a mainstay in the starting XI in the first part of 2018 before an injury suffered in the recent Old Firm defeat sidelined him.

Bates has made 17 appearances for the Gers this season and has made 25 in all for the Gers following his move from Raith.

The defender could be one of a host of stars to leave Ibrox this summer with a new manager expected to be appointed at the end of the season.

In other Rangers news, Gers fans were blown away by this winger’s performance in the 4-0 win over Breidablik.

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