Ex-Newcastle United striker pleads for 'last chance'

The striker has been without a club since January 2018, when his contract at Southend United was terminated due to “recurring disciplinary issues”.

“The game has pretty much washed its hands of me – I’m treated as the Osama bin Laden of football,” said Ranger, who left Newcastle United in 2013 after making 51 league appearances, and scoring two goals, for the club.

Ranger – who was jailed for eight months in 2017 for his part in an online banking scam – says he has turned down contracts with Rochdale and Oxford United since leaving Southend.

“In hindsight, they were both really stupid decisions,” the 29-year-old told the Daily Star. “I can’t blame anyone else – it’s all been self-inflicted. I hope and pray I’ll get one last chance. If I do, I’m ready to grab it with both hands.’’