Rangers fans have delivered mainly positive reactions on Twitter after striker Ryan Hardie left for Livingston on loan for the duration of next season.
The 21-year-old’s departure was announced via the Gers’ Premiership rivals’ official Twitter account, who saw him return after a temporary spell last season.
??| “…like Ryan Hardie!”
The worst kept secret in football is now confirmed! @Ryanhardie9 has rejoined the Lions on a one-year loan deal from Rangers.
Full story here ?? https://t.co/57FeMOGJkK pic.twitter.com/umhtAf6y3G
— Livingston Football Club (@LiviFCOfficial) June 25, 2018
The centre-forward netted eight goals in the Championship last season for Livingston, who were promoted to the Scottish top flight after finishing second in the Championship last season.
His exit was met with mainly encouraging responses from Rangers fans who were undoubtedly waiting for an update of Hardie’s whereabouts next season after a promising loan spell with Livingston, with comments including “great move for the player’ and “wish him the best of luck.”
This is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
Damn thought the kid would get a chance up front
— Tattooed Ginger (@TattooedScot) June 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/OrangeBearRFC/status/1011246462058094592
https://twitter.com/thefightscore/status/1011246181068963840
Good luck to Ryan. But can’t help feeling we should give this guy a run out in the first team. He scores goals and he knows how to play in our leagues ??????
— CeePeeRFC (@CeeRfc) June 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/MrGaryValentine/status/1011241747123458049
https://twitter.com/Rangersangus72/status/1011247798556209152
https://twitter.com/TheSGG88/status/1011255710880092162
Doesn't really make sense to me. As others have said, why extend his deal by a year if we aren't going to give him a crack at 1st team level with ourselves.
All the best @Ryanhardie9 keep doing what you do lad. Hopefully you'll get a run next season… if you decide to stay.
— Barney Stinson (@Barney010Stinso) June 25, 2018
OPINION
The news of Hardie’s loan spell to Livingston next season has gone down rather well with Rangers fans, who believe the move will help and develop him in the long-term so he is experienced enough to play for a top-level club. Some have expressed their opinions that the move was not the right one as they wanted to see him have an opportunity in the first team. However, he is not ready for a spot in the senior squad just yet, and he will thrive for Livingston, where Gers supporters will be hoping he will be on fire. He is not part of boss Steven Gerrard’s plans for this term, but should he start scoring goals for fun for the newly-promoted club, then Gerrard will quickly change his mind.