Rangers fans reckon getting a fee well north of £10million for a player who isn’t a first team regular makes perfect sense.
And while they wish Nathan Patterson the best of luck as he heads for Everton, those who contacted the Hotline reckon it was a deal that had to be done for both parties.
George Wilson, West Sussex emailed: “Would have been better not to lose a promising young player but Patterson’s only a reserve and both Steven Gerrard and Gio Van Bronckhorst have not seen fit to play him regularly in the first team. It’s a large sum of money to get for a reserve and a great deal for Rangers in getting £10-£16m.
“Losing Paterson may stop us losing more important players such as Aribo Kamara and Kent.”
And John Bruce emailed: “The sale of Nathan Patterson to Everton appears to have stirred up a frenzy down Parkhead way, now that they’ve sold off the family jewels and are sale-shopping in the Far East.
“Up to £16 million for him is a terrific piece of business as he was a back-up player, so his loss won’t weaken the team. He was also an academy player, so any transfer fee would be pure profit.
“The money could either go towards taking Rangers a huge step towards being debt-free or for bringing in quality additions in time for the game that Celtic ran scared from. For the player himself, it would mean a dream move to the Premiership with its life-changing salaries. So it’s a huge win-win.”
Muir Fulton, Ayr, emailed: “Poor old Paul Rice and all the other Celtic fans who thought Rangers were in financial trouble. Rangers sell Nathan Patterson and Steven Gerrard for a combined £17 million and that clears the debt.”
Stuart McLeod, Stepps, had a pop at Hotline regular Gordon Ashley, saying: “I am really surprised Gio van Bronckhorst got the managerial position at Ibrox, given Gordon Ashley’s extensive knowledge of the club. He is now telling us Rangers should have played Patterson more and they would have got more of a fee. I think the figures being spoken about are exceptional for our substitute right back. Remember this was the same Gordon Ashley who was just recently telling us Rangers couldn’t offload anyone for a decent figure so not bad business for a sub.”
But Eddie Easson, Ballingry, Fife emailed: “Good Luck to Nathan Patterson at Everton. He will need it at a struggling Everton. The money received will let Rangers finish the season without borrowing and Gio is going to be a busy man just shortly with his door getting banged with deserters. Gerrard knew this was going to happen and that’s why he jumped ship.”
Elsewhere, Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “After Scotland’s Covid numbers reaching a new daily record high the Scottish government has been vindicated in its decision to limit crowd numbers.
“I can’t see large crowds being allowed before March so what will happen to the Old Firm match?
“The SPFL have already set a new date for the derby to allow fans but as things stand this still seems highly unlikely, unfortunately there are no more dates available according to the SPFL so we are faced with a major dilemma, either play the games with low crowds or declare the league on the same reasoning it was declared two seasons ago.
“I wonder if those who benefited two years ago would be in such an agreement now?”
That view was countered by Robbie Devlin, who emailed: “Why are Rangers fans obsessed with Celtic and the SPFL? The decision to call the winter break was put to a vote to all Premiership clubs and the majority voted for it. Not Just Celtic and the SPFL. End of story.”
Finally, Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, said: “I agree wholeheartedly with Andrew Lamb of Fraserburgh, the smaller teams in English League One can pay more than any team in Scotland bar Celtic and Rangers. There’s another good player joining Morecambe from Dundee United - Trevor Carson. There’s something very wrong here.”
