FORMER Newcastle bad boy Nile Ranger has left non-league side Kettering Town by mutual consent after just over a year with the club.
Now 34, Ranger initially came through the ranks at Newcastle and was seen as a highly-rated prospect.
Nile Ranger has been released by Kettering Town by mutual consent[/caption]
The forward cryptically hinted about possible issues behind the scenes[/caption]
But the forward’s career fell apart after struggling to stay away from controversy as he had several run-ins with the law.
He was jailed in January 2017 for eight months after being convicted of online banking fraud.
More recently he has played in non-league and became a favourite among fans after joining Kettering last year – his first club in two seasons.
He netted 18 goals in all competitions, including a memorable stoppage time winner over Northampton Town in the FA Cup first round.
But the Poppies have now announced Ranger has left the club in a statement and said he would “forever be remembered” after his heroics against Northampton.
They said: “The Club wishes Nile every success in his playing career and Nile knows he has a family that would always welcome him back to Latimer Park.”
Owner George Akhtar added: “I want to personally thank Nile Ranger for the memories he has left the Kettering Town faithful.
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“His commitment to the Club, both on and off the pitch, is a testament to him. You will be missed.”
But Ranger has hinted at issues behind the scenes after cryptically retweeting speculation from fans.
He shared one post on X that read: “I’m sorry whatever has happened at the club has taken place @NilePowerRanger.
“A lot of questions to be answered. You will always be a Kettering Legend and a hero to my kids. All the best for whatever you do next.”
He also reposted a tweet that said: “From [what] I hear, nothing mutual about @NilePowerRanger leaving. He’s been brilliant on and off the pitch.”
It is the latest controversy involving Ranger, who once earned £10,000-a-week at Newcastle.
He once served time in a young offenders’ institute when he was a teenager for his role in an armed robbery.
And he later ended up back in jail in 2017 before being released 10 weeks into his eight-months sentence.
He returned to then-club Southend but was unable to play in midweek games due to his 7pm curfew.
Reflecting on his difficult life and career last year, he said: “I would bring all my friends up to Newcastle [from London] for parties.
“I had more money than sense. There was no discipline from me. I was living life in the fast lane.
“Looking back, I’ve realised the many silly decisions that led to the situations I found myself in. I messed up.”
The forward once had the world at his feet in Newcastle before getting into legal troubles[/caption]
