Rangers: Academy lad extends contract until 2024

Rangers 19 year old right back Nathan Patterson has extended his contract until 2024, what does this mean for the club and academy?

As I’ve gotten old(er), I’ve seen first hand that the adage “age is but a number” sadly has it’s limitations. Being as young as you feel is nice and all, but does little to stop the receding hairline – I like to think of it as more of a protruding forehead – and doesn’t suddenly make you not look like a man-child when you try to step outdoors wearing the same hoodies and jeans you wore ten years prior. Goodness knows, I’ve tried.

That’s the big reason why a club, specifically Rangers of course, having an academy is so important. Players can’t fight the clock, unless you’re Zlatan Ibrahimovic who could well be every bit as immortal as he thinks he is, at this point. It’s not all about breeding home-grown natural replacements, most clubs these days have academies but still spend gazillions buying players from other clubs and their academies instead.

Nonetheless, it’s sure to bring a smile to any Bear’s face to hear young Nathan Patterson, not long 19 years old, has signed an extension to keep him at Ibrox until at least 2024. Indeed, Rangers fans won’t be the only ones celebrating, as manager Steven Gerrard had this to say, as quoted by the Scottish Herald;

"“We have monitored Nathan’s progress closely over the past 18 months. His attitude is second to none, and I am particularly pleased with his desire to learn from his team mates especially our captain, James Tavernier.Ross and I have discussed our plan with Nathan for the incoming 18 months and have made our expectations clear. Nathan is a strong example of our player pathway for those who are training with the first-team and in our Academy.”"

There’s a good bit to digest here, but, suffice it to say that Patterson must have made a reasonable impression for Gerrard to go all in, as he has. Learning from Tav isn’t so surprising, given Nathan plays in the same position as the skipper, but is absolutely desirable on every level. I’d take 11 James Taverniers in my James Tavernier FC squad any day, please and thank you.

One big question mark, that Stevie G was smart to dismiss before it was even raised, is game time for the lad. With the current Rangers team absolutely packed with quality, going from strength to strength at home and abroad, and ultimately Tav being a stone wall blocking first team access – well, it can be a bit demoralising for youngsters who see no options now and in the future to break through.