Name: Nile Ranger Date of Birth: 11th April, 1991 Position:Striker Club: Newcastle United Previous Club(s): Southampton Cub Honours: None International Apps (Goals): England U19’s – 10 (7)
The London born striker began his career at Southampton before being released as Ranger spent 11 weeks in a young offender’s institute for his involvement in a street robbery. His talent was clearly recognisable, Ranger needed to tune his talents into football. After his release, Ranger had a successful trial at Swindon Town. He was offered terms but rejected them in favour to join Newcastle and the barmy regime.
It was Dennis Wise who brought Ranger North. He began his Newcastle career by facing Leicester Academy on 23rd August 2008. Three days later he appeared on the first-team bench for a League Cup match against Coventry. Ranger then made his Reserve debut against North-East rivals, Sunderland, a few days later.
Unlike the first-team, Nile enjoyed a very successful 200-09 season at Newcastle. His first season saw him bag fifteen goals for the U18’s and seven for the reserve side. His clinical touch prompted then boss Alan Shearer to tie Ranger down for three more years. This season Ranger has featured more, making his debut against West Bromwich Albion on August 8th and his first senior start against Leicester City on 31st August 2009, Ranger was awarded Man of the Match before starting, again as the lone striker in the weekend win away at Cardiff.
Nile has also enjoyed a flourishing England career. Ranger has already found the net seven times despite having only featured ten times. Nile was also part of the Under 19’s side that lost to Ukraine in the final of the UEFA Championships.
