Full name John Rankin 2000–2003 Manchester United Weight 80 kg Number 8 Height 1.73 m | Role Footballer Name John Rankin Career start 2003 | |
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Date of birth (1983-06-27) 27 June 1983 (age 32) Current team Dundee United F.C. (#8 / Midfielder) | ||
Playing position Place of birth Bellshill, Scotland | ||
John rankin smashes in stunning winning goal
John Rankin (born 27 June 1983 in Bellshill, Scotland) is a Scottish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Queen of the South and is the current club captain. Rankin has previously played for Ross County, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Hibernian, Dundee United and Falkirk. Rankin represented Scotland B for one appearance in 2006.
Contents
- John rankin smashes in stunning winning goal
- John rankin bids farewell to dundee utd fans
- Early career
- Inverness Caledonian Thistle
- Hibernian
- Dundee United
- Falkirk
- Queen of the South
- International career
- Career statistics
- Individual
- References
John rankin bids farewell to dundee utd fans
Early career
Rankin started his career at English Premier League club Manchester United but did not make any first team appearances. Whilst at the Red Devils, Rankin was loaned out to Corinthians, along with Ben Muirhead by Alex Ferguson, so to gain experience before returning to Manchester United. However, his time there was a disaster, as he explained about how both players struggled for food whilst there:
He also spoke about the poverty he had seen in his time in Brazil:
After unsuccessful trials with a number of Scottish Premier League sides, he joined Scottish First Division side Ross County in 2003, going on to make over 100 league appearances for the Dingwall club and receiving two league Player of the Year awards.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle
He moved to Highland derby rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle for a reported fee of £65,000 in 2006, making him one of several players to have played for both Highland clubs. He made 55 appearances and scored nine goals, including a stunning last minute winner against Rangers on 27 December 2006.
Hibernian
In January 2008, Rankin moved to Hibernian for a fee of £110,000. Rankin scored the opening goal in a 2–0 win for Hibs against Celtic on 7 December 2008. The goal was notable because it was scored from a yard in front of the centre circle, approximately 45 yards from the goal. The shot dipped and deceived the Celtic goalkeeper, Polish international Artur Boruc. After the game, Rankin described the shot as a "squiggler".
Rankin was a candidate for the Hibs captaincy after Rob Jones left for Scunthorpe United in the summer of 2009. New manager John Hughes decided to give the armband to Chris Hogg, however, with Ian Murray to serve as Hogg's vice captain. Rankin fell out of favour under Colin Calderwood and was told in March 2011 that his contract would not be renewed.
Dundee United
Rankin signed a two-year deal with Dundee United on 17 May 2011. Rankin scored five goals for United as the team finished fourth in the 2011–12 Scottish Premier League season and qualified for the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League. In June 2012, Rankin agreed an extended contract with United. Rankin was appointed chairman of PFA Scotland in February 2013, replacing Jack Ross. On 26 February 2014, Rankin agreed a two-year contract extension. It was announced on 4 May 2016 that Rankin would be one of eight out-of contract players leaving the club at the end of the season, having not been offered a new deal.
Falkirk
On 22 July 2016, Rankin signed for Falkirk, having spent time training with the club. Rankin left Falkirk on 5 January 2017 after the club agreed to terminate his contract.
Queen of the South
On 5 January 2017, Rankin joined Queen of the South on an 18-month contract, until the end of the 2017–18 season. Rankin was appointed Queens' club captain by recently appointed manager Gary Naysmith before the league match at St Mirren on 7 January 2017, taking over from previous captain Chris Higgins.
In March 2017, Rankin was appointed as the Under-17s coach at Heart of Midlothian, which he would combine with his playing duties at Queen of the South.
International career
Rankin represented Scotland B, in a match versus Turkey B in 2006, when he was a Ross County player.