Kieran Dowell has opened up on the key role John Lundstram played in convincing him to swap Ibrox for the MKM Stadium, with the former Rangers midfielder admitting his ex-teammate was the first person he contacted when Hull City’s interest became concrete.
Dowell’s move south has brought an end to his spell at Rangers, and speaking after completing the switch, the 28-year-old revealed how influential Lundstram’s recommendation was in shaping his decision.
When asked how it felt to become a Hull City player, Dowell said: “Yeah, glad to be here. Obviously, I'd known about it for a little while, but with the restrictions and stuff of the club, it obviously had to tick a few boxes and now I'm glad to be here, really glad.”
The “restrictions” referenced relate to Hull’s well-documented transfer limitations, which have seen the English Championship side operate within tight financial parameters.
Despite that, the Tigers made Dowell a priority - and Lundstram’s presence in East Yorkshire proved a decisive factor.
Dowell wasted no time in reaching out to the former Rangers UEFA Europa League hero.
“Well, I was on the phone to Lunny straight away to sort of get a bit out of him, see what he thought of the club and stuff,” Dowell explained.
“And he's made up with the place and can't speak highly enough of it. So, yeah, that and then just waiting to get it happened, really.”
The pair shared a dressing room at Ibrox and built a strong relationship during their time in Glasgow, and Dowell’s comments highlight how that bond has now extended into the next chapter of his career.
Lundstram’s own move to Hull has seen him become an important figure at the MKM Stadium, and Dowell’s arrival adds another familiar face for him.
It also continues a growing Rangers connection at the club, with former Ibrox midfielder Matt Crooks and lifelong Rangers supporter Oli McBurnie also part of the Tigers squad.
For Dowell, the chance to reunite with someone he trusts clearly helped smooth the transition after a difficult period in Scotland.
His Rangers spell showed flashes of quality but was hampered by injuries and inconsistency, and a fresh start in a familiar league - with a trusted teammate already embedded - appears to have been a major attraction.
From Hull’s perspective, bringing in a player already comfortable with one of their senior figures could help accelerate Dowell’s integration both on and off the pitch.
Dressing-room chemistry often plays a significant role in mid-season transfers, and Dowell’s immediate link with Lundstram gives him a ready-made support network.
For Rangers supporters, the interview offers a small insight into how tightly knit the squad relationships were at Ibrox. Even after departing, former teammates continue to influence each other’s careers - and in this case, Lundstram has helped shape Dowell’s next move.