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Almost got a rare visitor today.
Sorry about all the dust and cobwebs in here.
Sorry about all the dust and cobwebs in here.
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Adam Thompson scored his first goal of the season as Southend clung on to a narrow League One win over struggling Chesterfield.
Chesterfield striker Ched Evans, who is still recovering from a foot injury, was not in the squad and did not attend the match at Roots Hall after he was found not guilty on Friday of a rape charge.
Thompson's first-half strike meant Southend move up to 19th and have won five of their last six matches at home, while Chesterfield drop to 21st.
The winner came in the 29th minute after Chesterfield failed to clear a corner and the ball fell to Thompson, who smashed home from 10 yards.
Chesterfield could have levelled soon after when Kristian Dennis nipped in behind the Shrimpers defence but his lifted finish was saved by Southend goalkeeper Mark Oxley.
The hosts dominated the early part of the second half, but Nile Ranger and Simon Cox both squandered excellent opportunities.
Chesterfield substitute Ricky German almost made them pay, but his close-range effort was scrambled off the line and Southend held on for a much-needed victory.
Reports supplied by the Press Association.
Chesterfield striker Ched Evans, who is still recovering from a foot injury, was not in the squad and did not attend the match at Roots Hall after he was found not guilty on Friday of a rape charge.
Thompson's first-half strike meant Southend move up to 19th and have won five of their last six matches at home, while Chesterfield drop to 21st.
The winner came in the 29th minute after Chesterfield failed to clear a corner and the ball fell to Thompson, who smashed home from 10 yards.
Chesterfield could have levelled soon after when Kristian Dennis nipped in behind the Shrimpers defence but his lifted finish was saved by Southend goalkeeper Mark Oxley.
The hosts dominated the early part of the second half, but Nile Ranger and Simon Cox both squandered excellent opportunities.
Chesterfield substitute Ricky German almost made them pay, but his close-range effort was scrambled off the line and Southend held on for a much-needed victory.
Reports supplied by the Press Association.
Only 2 years, he has smashed one in today, see you in 2018
First time he has ever scored 2 goals in the same game 
...and same month
...and same month
FT Bury1 - 4Southend United
half-time:(1 - 2)
Match InfoLine-ups
match details:show assists
9'
0 - 1
Nile Ranger
13'
0 - 2
Simon Cox
20'
James Vaughan
1 - 2
20'
Anton Ferdinand
61'
1 - 3
Nile Ranger
64'
half-time:(1 - 2)
Match InfoLine-ups
match details:show assists
9'
0 - 1
Nile Ranger
13'
0 - 2
Simon Cox
20'
James Vaughan
1 - 2
20'
Anton Ferdinand
61'
1 - 3
Nile Ranger
64'
ll have to celebrate by pulling my lip out to show my tattoo or by running to the physio.
Could have worse could have pulled his d.ck out
To be fair it does show the benefits of an education.
Could have worse could have pulled his d.ck out
To be fair it does show the benefits of an education.
Southend United striker Nile Ranger said his first goal against Bury on Saturday was inspired by the "finesse" shot on the Fifa video game.
The 25-year-old ended a 735-day goal drought with a low, curling right-footed strike against the Shakers.
"I play too much Fifa, I tried to put the finesse on it and it worked, so I'll try it again next game," Ranger told BBC Essex.
He then added his second and his side's third in a 4-1 League One victory.
The former Newcastle, Swindon and Blackpool striker joined the Shrimpers in the summer, but has been restricted to just six appearances because of injury.
Having not scored since 8 November, 2014, Ranger helped Phil Brown's side stretch their unbeaten run to five matches.
"From the first goal I was buzzing so I thought 'you know what, let me try to get a second one'. That was the first brace of my career," said Ranger.
"I don't really get goals like [his second]. That's my first left-footed goal as well."
The 25-year-old ended a 735-day goal drought with a low, curling right-footed strike against the Shakers.
"I play too much Fifa, I tried to put the finesse on it and it worked, so I'll try it again next game," Ranger told BBC Essex.
He then added his second and his side's third in a 4-1 League One victory.
The former Newcastle, Swindon and Blackpool striker joined the Shrimpers in the summer, but has been restricted to just six appearances because of injury.
Having not scored since 8 November, 2014, Ranger helped Phil Brown's side stretch their unbeaten run to five matches.
"From the first goal I was buzzing so I thought 'you know what, let me try to get a second one'. That was the first brace of my career," said Ranger.
"I don't really get goals like [his second]. That's my first left-footed goal as well."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-38315202
he has now been arrested more times than he has scored a goal
Footballer Nile Ranger appeared in court today accused of involvement in a telephone banking fraud after a vulnerable woman was swindled out of more than £2000.
The 25-year-old was allegedly involved in a scam in which a Mrs Diane Bloss was fleeced out of £2,090 in February last year.
The former Newcastle Utd striker appeared at Highbury Magistrates' Court charged with conspiracy to defraud and money laundering with Duncan Aseany, 19, and 18-year-old Reanne Morgan.
Aseany is also accused of possessing an article for use in fraud, namely the personal banking details of 500 people, stored on a phone.
The offences are alleged to have taken place on February 18 last year.
Bench chair Nicole Easterman bailed the trio ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Wood Green Crown Court on January 11.
Ranger played for League One outfit Southend last weekend, in his side's win over Coventry City.
His place in the team for Saturday's match against Oldham will now be in doubt.
The court appearance comes just two weeks after Ranger signed a new contract at Southend after he joined the Essex club in the summer.
He has made 11 appearances so far and although he has only scored two goals, the striker has been influential in setting up chances and become a fans’ favourite.
A spokesman for the Met Police said: 'Detectives from FALCON, the Met’s response to Fraud and Linked Crime, have charged a man with fraud and money laundering offences.
'Nile Ranger, 25, of N10, was charged on Monday 12 December with conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
'The offences are alleged to have been committed on or around 18 February 2015 and relate to the fraudulent obtaining of bank details by telephone from a vulnerable person in order to gain access to the victim's savings.'
Southend United have been contacted for comment.
The 25-year-old was allegedly involved in a scam in which a Mrs Diane Bloss was fleeced out of £2,090 in February last year.
The former Newcastle Utd striker appeared at Highbury Magistrates' Court charged with conspiracy to defraud and money laundering with Duncan Aseany, 19, and 18-year-old Reanne Morgan.
Aseany is also accused of possessing an article for use in fraud, namely the personal banking details of 500 people, stored on a phone.
The offences are alleged to have taken place on February 18 last year.
Bench chair Nicole Easterman bailed the trio ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Wood Green Crown Court on January 11.
Ranger played for League One outfit Southend last weekend, in his side's win over Coventry City.
His place in the team for Saturday's match against Oldham will now be in doubt.
The court appearance comes just two weeks after Ranger signed a new contract at Southend after he joined the Essex club in the summer.
He has made 11 appearances so far and although he has only scored two goals, the striker has been influential in setting up chances and become a fans’ favourite.
A spokesman for the Met Police said: 'Detectives from FALCON, the Met’s response to Fraud and Linked Crime, have charged a man with fraud and money laundering offences.
'Nile Ranger, 25, of N10, was charged on Monday 12 December with conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
'The offences are alleged to have been committed on or around 18 February 2015 and relate to the fraudulent obtaining of bank details by telephone from a vulnerable person in order to gain access to the victim's savings.'
Southend United have been contacted for comment.
Should now be known as Vile Ranger for his catalogue of arrests in the last few years.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-38584899
Former Premier League striker Nile Ranger has admitted an online banking fraud in which a woman lost more than £2,000.
The 25-year-old Southend United footballer pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud by obtaining bank details and transferring the money.
He denied a second count of money laundering at Wood Green Crown Court.
Reanne Morgan, 18, and Aseany Duncan, 19, both from Enfield, north London, will face trial for the same charges.
The court heard Ranger conspired to use the bank details of Diane Bloss in February 2015 and move £2,090 from one account to another.
Mitigating, Angus Bunyan, said the footballer's last serious conviction was more than 10 years ago.
Ranger's case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report. The money laundering charge will lie on file.
Morgan and Duncan were warned by Judge Peter Ader of the consequences of not appearing for trial.
They were told it "could be the difference between going to prison or being free".
Their trial is set for 24 April at the same court. Ranger will be sentenced afterwards.
Ranger, from north London, played for Newcastle United, England Under-19s, Swindon Town and Blackpool, before moving to Southend United in August.
Former Premier League striker Nile Ranger has admitted an online banking fraud in which a woman lost more than £2,000.
The 25-year-old Southend United footballer pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud by obtaining bank details and transferring the money.
He denied a second count of money laundering at Wood Green Crown Court.
Reanne Morgan, 18, and Aseany Duncan, 19, both from Enfield, north London, will face trial for the same charges.
The court heard Ranger conspired to use the bank details of Diane Bloss in February 2015 and move £2,090 from one account to another.
Mitigating, Angus Bunyan, said the footballer's last serious conviction was more than 10 years ago.
Ranger's case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report. The money laundering charge will lie on file.
Morgan and Duncan were warned by Judge Peter Ader of the consequences of not appearing for trial.
They were told it "could be the difference between going to prison or being free".
Their trial is set for 24 April at the same court. Ranger will be sentenced afterwards.
Ranger, from north London, played for Newcastle United, England Under-19s, Swindon Town and Blackpool, before moving to Southend United in August.
I wonder what he has done now???
Suspended by Southend for breach of discipline - apparently not connected to fraud charges
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38604311
Suspended by Southend for breach of discipline - apparently not connected to fraud charges
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38604311
Why would a football player earning what he earns want to commit fraud for a measley 2k...surely that's what he gets a week in earnings??
i think he was out of football at the time
not that that should be an excuse for crime
not that that should be an excuse for crime
Museum closed for a while. Need to weed out a few issues but hoping for a speedy return.
As funny as his trainwreck career has been for everyone and as impressive an arrests/goals ratio he boasts, does anyone think maybe he might have finally turned the corner?
It would be another swerve in the Nile Ranger story down a path nobody had expected.
It would be another swerve in the Nile Ranger story down a path nobody had expected.
NOT TODAY.
the wood green romario bangs in another
the wood green romario bangs in another
Former Premier League striker Nile Ranger has been jailed after admitting online banking fraud.
The 25-year-old Southend United footballer was sentenced to eight months for conspiracy to defraud by obtaining bank details and transferring money.
Wood Green Crown Court heard a woman lost more than £2,000 in the scam.
Aseany Duncan, 19, from Enfield, north London, was also jailed for eight months for the same offence.
The court heard Ranger, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend, conspired to use the bank details of Diane Bloss in February 2015 and move £2,090 from one account to another.
The case against Reanne Morgan, 18, also of Enflield, was dropped due to a lack of evidence.
Ranger played for Newcastle United, England Under-19s, Swindon Town and Blackpool, before moving to Southend United in August.
The 25-year-old Southend United footballer was sentenced to eight months for conspiracy to defraud by obtaining bank details and transferring money.
Wood Green Crown Court heard a woman lost more than £2,000 in the scam.
Aseany Duncan, 19, from Enfield, north London, was also jailed for eight months for the same offence.
The court heard Ranger, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend, conspired to use the bank details of Diane Bloss in February 2015 and move £2,090 from one account to another.
The case against Reanne Morgan, 18, also of Enflield, was dropped due to a lack of evidence.
Ranger played for Newcastle United, England Under-19s, Swindon Town and Blackpool, before moving to Southend United in August.
could work out sweet for super Nile....with good behaviour could be out on a tag for pre season .. meanwhile he can keep fit in his peter 
if only he were in spain.....
A 21-month jail term handed down last year to Barcelona and Argentina footballer Lionel Messi has been confirmed by Spain's Supreme Court, but he is unlikely to go to prison.
Messi and his father Jorge, who manages his finances, were both convicted in 2016 of defrauding Spain of €4.1m (£3.5m; $4.6m) in taxes.
Jorge Messi's jail term was reduced because he paid some of the taxes.
In Spain, prison terms of under two years can be served under probation.
The case will now return to the court in Barcelona that handed down the original judgement.
Lionel Messi, a five-time world footballer of the year, has denied any involvement and told his trial in June 2016: "I only worried about playing football."
But in its decision on Wednesday, the court said: "It defies logic to concede that someone who earns a large income does not know that he must pay taxes on it."
Both men were originally convicted of three counts of fraud, for using tax havens in Belize and Uruguay between 2007 and 2009, and were also given heavy fines.
They were found guilty of resorting to fictitious companies to evade Spanish taxes on income from companies using Lionel Messi's image rights.
Jorge Messi's jail term was reduced from 21 months to 15 by the Supreme Court to take into account the money he had since handed to the tax authorities.
A 21-month jail term handed down last year to Barcelona and Argentina footballer Lionel Messi has been confirmed by Spain's Supreme Court, but he is unlikely to go to prison.
Messi and his father Jorge, who manages his finances, were both convicted in 2016 of defrauding Spain of €4.1m (£3.5m; $4.6m) in taxes.
Jorge Messi's jail term was reduced because he paid some of the taxes.
In Spain, prison terms of under two years can be served under probation.
The case will now return to the court in Barcelona that handed down the original judgement.
Lionel Messi, a five-time world footballer of the year, has denied any involvement and told his trial in June 2016: "I only worried about playing football."
But in its decision on Wednesday, the court said: "It defies logic to concede that someone who earns a large income does not know that he must pay taxes on it."
Both men were originally convicted of three counts of fraud, for using tax havens in Belize and Uruguay between 2007 and 2009, and were also given heavy fines.
They were found guilty of resorting to fictitious companies to evade Spanish taxes on income from companies using Lionel Messi's image rights.
Jorge Messi's jail term was reduced from 21 months to 15 by the Supreme Court to take into account the money he had since handed to the tax authorities.
Oh dear, looks like Nile is about to add another 2 years to his prison sentence, what an idiot.
he has (seemingly it was him) sent a tribute to his mate tiote on social media
which is not allowed
which is not allowed
The forums favourite striker is back.
.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41058185
.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41058185
First game without the ankle tag. Makes a difference.
I'd strongly advise him to be careful.
The last prolific striker in L1 ended up at Sunlund Administration Football Club.
The last prolific striker in L1 ended up at Sunlund Administration Football Club.
FOR SALE: One museum display case
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11716/11195303/nile-ranger-has-contract-terminated-by-southend
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11716/11195303/nile-ranger-has-contract-terminated-by-southend
'YOU'RE A BADMAN' Love Island’s Eyal Booker called ‘badman’ by Nile Ranger after running into controversial ex-Southend striker
Pair met as Ranger drove past Booker, who was booted out of the ITV2 villa on Thursday night
By George Bond
29th June 2018, 4:29 pmUpdated: 29th June 2018, 4:29 pm
Pair met as Ranger drove past Booker, who was booted out of the ITV2 villa on Thursday night
By George Bond
29th June 2018, 4:29 pmUpdated: 29th June 2018, 4:29 pm
Ex-Newcastle United striker has returned to football after two years out of the game - with Northern Premier League Division One side Spalding United.
Spalding are in the eighth tier of the English game, four divisions outside the Football League.
Spalding manager Gaby Zakuani, who is assisted by former United man Lomana Tresor LuaLua, was announced as boss on Tuesday and has quickly moved to sign Ranger, who has been without a club since leaving Southend in 2018.
Spalding are in the eighth tier of the English game, four divisions outside the Football League.
Spalding manager Gaby Zakuani, who is assisted by former United man Lomana Tresor LuaLua, was announced as boss on Tuesday and has quickly moved to sign Ranger, who has been without a club since leaving Southend in 2018.
get back on the thread ya knacker - andthat gans for sol as well
wuill put up some info and if it blows out so wot -grow a pair - ya geordies its wot we do
ooossss -
wuill put up some info and if it blows out so wot -grow a pair - ya geordies its wot we do
ooossss -
You are a top bloke smirnoff
Take care.
Take care.
Poor Nile has been sacked by Southend after 3 no shows; surprised he was taken back on in the first place by them
The Club are delighted to announce the double signing of striker
The Club are delighted to announce the double signing of striker nile ranger and goalkeeper josua roache
Welcome to the LV Bet Stadium Meadow Park, Nile and Joshua!
Borehamwood
#WeAreTheWood
Welcome to the LV Bet Stadium Meadow Park, Nile and Joshua!
Borehamwood
#WeAreTheWood
And he's just missed a sitter as well. 
was clean through with only the keeper to beat. And he stumbled and ran it out of play.
was clean through with only the keeper to beat. And he stumbled and ran it out of play.
Nile currently selling cup final tickets on twitter.
Honest Nile,...
Honest Nile,...
hes nearly got more convictions than goals!
Legal history
In 2007, at the age of 15, Ranger was sentenced to 11 weeks in a Young Offenders Institute after being convicted of participating in street robbery in Muswell Hill, London.[55]
In May 2011 Ranger was questioned by Newcastle after posing with a replica gun in a photograph.[56]
On 27 August 2011, he was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a man in Newcastle city centre, leaving the victim unconscious in the street. Ranger was subsequently dropped to Newcastle United's reserve team. He was found not guilty of the charge in October 2012.[57]
In October 2011 he was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Newcastle's Cathedral Square. The charge came only days after Ranger had been reinstated to Newcastle United's first-team training after a three-month exile in the club's reserves.[58]
In March 2012, he was fined by The FA for making homophobic comments on social networking website Twitter.[59]
In the early hours of 23 September 2012, police were called to a house in Enfield, north London after reports of a disturbance. The front door of the property was badly damaged and Ranger was arrested at the scene and later charged with criminal damage.[60] The charge against Ranger was dropped that November after the court accepted his explanation that he had damaged the door after fearing his girlfriend was being kidnapped.[61]
On 25 January 2013, Ranger was arrested on suspicion of rape in a Newcastle hotel room.[62] In connection with the same alleged offence, Ranger was charged with rape on 8 July 2013.[63] On 4 March 2014 he was cleared of the charge at Newcastle Crown Court.[64]
On 14 March 2013, Ranger was charged with common assault after an incident in Newcastle city centre.[65]
On 23 March 2014, Ranger was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a taxi in Liverpool.[66] He later pleaded guilty to criminal damage and was fined £1,000 and was ordered to pay compensation to the taxi driver for breaking a window. Ranger said that he was enraged by being called a rapist by the driver.[67]
On 28 April 2014, Ranger was charged with criminal damage after an incident at a block of flats in Swindon on 13 April.[68] He was later fined for damage to the door of his flat in relation to this incident which was captured on CCTV, in an incident where he additionally appeared to strike his female companion three times in the face.[69]
In May 2014, Ranger was found not guilty of being drunk in charge of his vehicle, after being found asleep in the driver's seat of his car on the M4 motorway.[70]
In December 2016, Ranger was charged with conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, in respect of offences alleged to have been committed in February 2015.[71] In January 2017, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud at Wood Green Crown Court.[72] On 23 May 2017, he was sentenced to eight months in prison.[9]
On 11 August 2017, he was released after 10 weeks of his sentence due to "his consistently excellent custodial behaviour", remaining under curfew for the next five weeks.[73]
Legal history
In 2007, at the age of 15, Ranger was sentenced to 11 weeks in a Young Offenders Institute after being convicted of participating in street robbery in Muswell Hill, London.[55]
In May 2011 Ranger was questioned by Newcastle after posing with a replica gun in a photograph.[56]
On 27 August 2011, he was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a man in Newcastle city centre, leaving the victim unconscious in the street. Ranger was subsequently dropped to Newcastle United's reserve team. He was found not guilty of the charge in October 2012.[57]
In October 2011 he was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Newcastle's Cathedral Square. The charge came only days after Ranger had been reinstated to Newcastle United's first-team training after a three-month exile in the club's reserves.[58]
In March 2012, he was fined by The FA for making homophobic comments on social networking website Twitter.[59]
In the early hours of 23 September 2012, police were called to a house in Enfield, north London after reports of a disturbance. The front door of the property was badly damaged and Ranger was arrested at the scene and later charged with criminal damage.[60] The charge against Ranger was dropped that November after the court accepted his explanation that he had damaged the door after fearing his girlfriend was being kidnapped.[61]
On 25 January 2013, Ranger was arrested on suspicion of rape in a Newcastle hotel room.[62] In connection with the same alleged offence, Ranger was charged with rape on 8 July 2013.[63] On 4 March 2014 he was cleared of the charge at Newcastle Crown Court.[64]
On 14 March 2013, Ranger was charged with common assault after an incident in Newcastle city centre.[65]
On 23 March 2014, Ranger was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a taxi in Liverpool.[66] He later pleaded guilty to criminal damage and was fined £1,000 and was ordered to pay compensation to the taxi driver for breaking a window. Ranger said that he was enraged by being called a rapist by the driver.[67]
On 28 April 2014, Ranger was charged with criminal damage after an incident at a block of flats in Swindon on 13 April.[68] He was later fined for damage to the door of his flat in relation to this incident which was captured on CCTV, in an incident where he additionally appeared to strike his female companion three times in the face.[69]
In May 2014, Ranger was found not guilty of being drunk in charge of his vehicle, after being found asleep in the driver's seat of his car on the M4 motorway.[70]
In December 2016, Ranger was charged with conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, in respect of offences alleged to have been committed in February 2015.[71] In January 2017, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud at Wood Green Crown Court.[72] On 23 May 2017, he was sentenced to eight months in prison.[9]
On 11 August 2017, he was released after 10 weeks of his sentence due to "his consistently excellent custodial behaviour", remaining under curfew for the next five weeks.[73]
Could be looking for a career in management soon!
Guys ...... he's back! 
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c3rdgxwgz4po
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c3rdgxwgz4po
Two more exhibits last night. I'm in talks with a local shed manufacturer about rebuilding the museum.
Kettering 2 top of the league Stamford 0
Ranger 23(p),41.
Ranger 23(p),41.
As I was going to st Ives I met a man. ..
11' WHO ELSE?!
Nile Ranger converts from close range after Hart's cut back from the right hand side! 916, FOLKS!
0-1!!
#SIVKET #KTFC @EmiratesFACup
0-3 finnish.
11' WHO ELSE?!
Nile Ranger converts from close range after Hart's cut back from the right hand side! 916, FOLKS!
0-1!!
#SIVKET #KTFC @EmiratesFACup
0-3 finnish.
https://x.com/KTFCOfficial/status/1846272483944792270?s=19
..
44’ LOOK WHO IT IS!!
RANGER SCORES AGAIN!!
BRG 1-1 KET
..
44’ LOOK WHO IT IS!!
RANGER SCORES AGAIN!!
BRG 1-1 KET
He's only gone and done it on the telly lads!
Subbed off after extra time goal.
Probably dashed to museum to assemble another cabinet
Probably dashed to museum to assemble another cabinet
Nile Ranger scored a sensational winner in extra time as seventh-tier Kettering Town produced the biggest shock of the FA Cup first round against near-neighbours Northampton Town.
The former Newcastle United striker, now 33, headed in against the League One Cobblers, who are 17 miles and four divisions apart from the Southern League Premier Division Central leaders.
Northampton took a first-half lead as Kettering captain Connor Johnson unluckily diverted a Tariqe Fosu shot into his own net.
Johnson was a rock in defence after that misfortune as Kettering-born teenager Luca Miller scored a stunning equaliser with his head after coming on as a substitute, setting the scene for Ranger’s winner.
It has been a long road to redemption for Ranger, who has had numerous off-field issues amid a career that began at St James’ Park in 2009.
Bbc
The former Newcastle United striker, now 33, headed in against the League One Cobblers, who are 17 miles and four divisions apart from the Southern League Premier Division Central leaders.
Northampton took a first-half lead as Kettering captain Connor Johnson unluckily diverted a Tariqe Fosu shot into his own net.
Johnson was a rock in defence after that misfortune as Kettering-born teenager Luca Miller scored a stunning equaliser with his head after coming on as a substitute, setting the scene for Ranger’s winner.
It has been a long road to redemption for Ranger, who has had numerous off-field issues amid a career that began at St James’ Park in 2009.
Bbc
https://x.com/up_utp/status/1855320029622857813?s=19
..
..
Kettering Town have announced that former Premier League striker Nile Ranger has signed a 1 year contract extension with an option for a further year, that will keep him at Latimer Park initially until Aug 2025
I’m not going to risk renewing the lease on the museum for another year 
Inside Nile Ranger and Kettering Town’s non-League redemption story
Former Newcastle striker who was jailed twice is part of star-studded strike force helping ambitious club make FA Cup headlines
“Let’s not mix our words here: Kettering Town is global – we have fans all around the world,” declares George Akhtar. “Anybody who has any kind of affiliation with Kettering Town… it’s like religion to them. They live, breathe and sleep this club.”
Akhtar’s words are punchy, bold and, given Kettering occupy English football’s seventh tier, dripping in ownership bias. But they are also, much like his ambitions for the club he bought in the summer, genuine and heartfelt.
After beating third-placed AFC Telford 3-1 on Tuesday, Akhtar’s side sit top of the Southern Premier League Central and are the division’s leading scorers. But as impressive as their league form is, that is not what has the Poppies attracting attention from further afield. No, that has come via two streams.
First, there are Kettering’s FA Cup exploits. Currently the competition’s all-time leading scorers, they have the welcome distraction of a televised FA Cup second-round tie at home against League Two high-fliers Doncaster Rovers to look forward to in early December. That tie was set up thanks to an extra-time victory at local rivals Northampton Town in the previous round.
And then there is Kettering’s star-studded forward line.
Not content with the acquisition of Jonny Edwards, a scoring cheat code at step four of the football pyramid, manager Richard Lavery and Akhtar have assembled a strike trio with hundreds of Premier League and Championship appearances between them.
First came the controversial Nile Ranger. Once a teenage star-in-waiting at Newcastle, Ranger swiftly became better known for his off-field missteps than his on-field performances. Twice jailed, for armed robbery and banking fraud respectively, Ranger is 33 now, has a young son and sees this as a final chance to show just how good he might have been.
‘But who are we to judge? We’ve all got a past’
“I got a text message saying ‘Nile Ranger?’,” Akhtar explains to Telegraph Sport. “And I was like, ‘What about him?’ The reply was ‘Would you be interested?’ and I said, ‘If you’re serious, why not?’ He came around to my house and I liked everything that I heard.
“He’s got his past, which I think we all know about. But who are we to judge? We’ve all got a past. We’re trying to help him get into a situation where he can mentor young players or even young offenders. We get a lot of requests asking if he will be an ambassador, which I think would be exceptional for him. He’s said previously that he’s paved the way for a lot of players… coaches will say, ‘Hey, do you want to end up like Nile Ranger? No? Fix up and buckle up then!’”
Ranger has been prolific since arriving in September and scored the extra-time winner at Northampton. Last week he signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Poppies until at least the end of the season.
Also featuring recently was former England Under-21 striker Marvin Sordell. He originally retired back in 2019 to preserve his mental well-being, and his work as a creative producer means he is frequently unavailable. At times, though, Kettering have felt able to leave Sordell out of match-day squads. And as if that was not enough firepower, former Celtic, Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday forward Gary Hooper has recently joined.
Akhtar – whose real name is Nadim but goes by George because of his Manchester United supporting father’s love of George Best – has been able to bring in such talent because of his vast footballing connections.
Akhtar played semi-professionally and has spent over two decades coaching in Hertfordshire. He runs his own academy, works with players on a one-to-one basis and has spent time with clubs including Luton Town and Watford.
He saw ownership as a natural next step and purchased Kettering from previous incumbent Ritchie Jeune following several months of negotiations and extensive due diligence. Akhtar attended half-a-dozen match days, with his family and friends taken along at various points. “We’d been on a trip to Bradford and on the way back I said, ‘Right, we’re all stopping at Kettering Town’. I just wanted their blessing.” His sister Nadiya has joined him on the board, while close friend Fabian Forde, a former professional at Watford, is the club’s football director.
In Kettering, Akhtar saw a historic club in need of a little TLC. Back in 1976, Kettering were the first British team to have a sponsor’s name printed on their shirts. However, the threat of a four-figure fine from the Football Association soon forced the removal of the Kettering Tyres logo. A young Ron Atkinson began his managerial career at Rockingham Road, the club’s former home, in the early 1970s, while Paul Gascoigne endured a 39-day spell in the dugout back in 2005-06.
These days, Kettering play at Latimer Park, three miles outside the town, and Akhtar wants to bring sustainable success while placing the club at the community’s heart. He plans to install a state-of-the-art artificial pitch and is looking at options including a soft-play area and an events marquee. Those would supplement the existing classrooms and gymnasium.
“The grand plan is that match days become a bonus,” he says. “The club will then generate X amount of money in the week, with match days adding to that. Currently we’re solely reliant on match days and I want to flip that.”
Kettering’s early-season form has seen gates swell to a four-figure average and promotion come April would put them a year ahead of Akhtar’s original plan. He wants to be playing in non-League’s top tier again within five seasons. “It’s a huge National League club. It’s a sleeping giant. I’m here to try to wake it up.”
Former Newcastle striker who was jailed twice is part of star-studded strike force helping ambitious club make FA Cup headlines
“Let’s not mix our words here: Kettering Town is global – we have fans all around the world,” declares George Akhtar. “Anybody who has any kind of affiliation with Kettering Town… it’s like religion to them. They live, breathe and sleep this club.”
Akhtar’s words are punchy, bold and, given Kettering occupy English football’s seventh tier, dripping in ownership bias. But they are also, much like his ambitions for the club he bought in the summer, genuine and heartfelt.
After beating third-placed AFC Telford 3-1 on Tuesday, Akhtar’s side sit top of the Southern Premier League Central and are the division’s leading scorers. But as impressive as their league form is, that is not what has the Poppies attracting attention from further afield. No, that has come via two streams.
First, there are Kettering’s FA Cup exploits. Currently the competition’s all-time leading scorers, they have the welcome distraction of a televised FA Cup second-round tie at home against League Two high-fliers Doncaster Rovers to look forward to in early December. That tie was set up thanks to an extra-time victory at local rivals Northampton Town in the previous round.
And then there is Kettering’s star-studded forward line.
Not content with the acquisition of Jonny Edwards, a scoring cheat code at step four of the football pyramid, manager Richard Lavery and Akhtar have assembled a strike trio with hundreds of Premier League and Championship appearances between them.
First came the controversial Nile Ranger. Once a teenage star-in-waiting at Newcastle, Ranger swiftly became better known for his off-field missteps than his on-field performances. Twice jailed, for armed robbery and banking fraud respectively, Ranger is 33 now, has a young son and sees this as a final chance to show just how good he might have been.
‘But who are we to judge? We’ve all got a past’
“I got a text message saying ‘Nile Ranger?’,” Akhtar explains to Telegraph Sport. “And I was like, ‘What about him?’ The reply was ‘Would you be interested?’ and I said, ‘If you’re serious, why not?’ He came around to my house and I liked everything that I heard.
“He’s got his past, which I think we all know about. But who are we to judge? We’ve all got a past. We’re trying to help him get into a situation where he can mentor young players or even young offenders. We get a lot of requests asking if he will be an ambassador, which I think would be exceptional for him. He’s said previously that he’s paved the way for a lot of players… coaches will say, ‘Hey, do you want to end up like Nile Ranger? No? Fix up and buckle up then!’”
Ranger has been prolific since arriving in September and scored the extra-time winner at Northampton. Last week he signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Poppies until at least the end of the season.
Also featuring recently was former England Under-21 striker Marvin Sordell. He originally retired back in 2019 to preserve his mental well-being, and his work as a creative producer means he is frequently unavailable. At times, though, Kettering have felt able to leave Sordell out of match-day squads. And as if that was not enough firepower, former Celtic, Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday forward Gary Hooper has recently joined.
Akhtar – whose real name is Nadim but goes by George because of his Manchester United supporting father’s love of George Best – has been able to bring in such talent because of his vast footballing connections.
Akhtar played semi-professionally and has spent over two decades coaching in Hertfordshire. He runs his own academy, works with players on a one-to-one basis and has spent time with clubs including Luton Town and Watford.
He saw ownership as a natural next step and purchased Kettering from previous incumbent Ritchie Jeune following several months of negotiations and extensive due diligence. Akhtar attended half-a-dozen match days, with his family and friends taken along at various points. “We’d been on a trip to Bradford and on the way back I said, ‘Right, we’re all stopping at Kettering Town’. I just wanted their blessing.” His sister Nadiya has joined him on the board, while close friend Fabian Forde, a former professional at Watford, is the club’s football director.
In Kettering, Akhtar saw a historic club in need of a little TLC. Back in 1976, Kettering were the first British team to have a sponsor’s name printed on their shirts. However, the threat of a four-figure fine from the Football Association soon forced the removal of the Kettering Tyres logo. A young Ron Atkinson began his managerial career at Rockingham Road, the club’s former home, in the early 1970s, while Paul Gascoigne endured a 39-day spell in the dugout back in 2005-06.
These days, Kettering play at Latimer Park, three miles outside the town, and Akhtar wants to bring sustainable success while placing the club at the community’s heart. He plans to install a state-of-the-art artificial pitch and is looking at options including a soft-play area and an events marquee. Those would supplement the existing classrooms and gymnasium.
“The grand plan is that match days become a bonus,” he says. “The club will then generate X amount of money in the week, with match days adding to that. Currently we’re solely reliant on match days and I want to flip that.”
Kettering’s early-season form has seen gates swell to a four-figure average and promotion come April would put them a year ahead of Akhtar’s original plan. He wants to be playing in non-League’s top tier again within five seasons. “It’s a huge National League club. It’s a sleeping giant. I’m here to try to wake it up.”
Kettering 2 Leiston 1
Edwards 12 Quantrell 80
Ranger 89
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Edwards 12 Quantrell 80
Ranger 89
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https://x.com/BallerLeagueUK/status/1927119216508887144?s=19
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https://www.ketteringtownfc.com/injuries-incidents-injustices-thrilling-3-4-poppies-win-royston-town/
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Three minutes later, Stanley once again carried the ball forward down Royston’s right. Connor took on Thomas at right-back and managed to get past him and deliver a looping cross into the goalmouth where Ranger got his head to the ball to nod it home from close range. 1-2 Kettering 16 mins
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Three minutes later, Stanley once again carried the ball forward down Royston’s right. Connor took on Thomas at right-back and managed to get past him and deliver a looping cross into the goalmouth where Ranger got his head to the ball to nod it home from close range. 1-2 Kettering 16 mins
Wellingborough Town are pleased to announce the signing of forward Nile Ranger
Most recently, Ranger was the league’s joint top goal scorer for Kettering Town with 6 goals in ten games this season. He scored scored 18 goals across his 50 total appearances for The Poppies.
Most recently, Ranger was the league’s joint top goal scorer for Kettering Town with 6 goals in ten games this season. He scored scored 18 goals across his 50 total appearances for The Poppies.
https://x.com/i/status/2022760061995499713
Filling up nicely, nearly got a display case full now...
Filling up nicely, nearly got a display case full now...
https://x.com/i/status/2025236518235746553
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TOTW
Congratulations to @NilePowerRanger , who features in the Kent Online Team of the Week following his two goals v Canvey this weekend!
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Congratulations to @NilePowerRanger , who features in the Kent Online Team of the Week following his two goals v Canvey this weekend!
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GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!!!!!! NILE RANGERRRRRRR!!!!!!
[48’] — #CTFC 2-0 #LEW
[48’] — #CTFC 2-0 #LEW
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