Glentoran’s 16-year old prodigy Charlie Lindsay today completed his dream move to one of the world’s greatest clubs when he signed professional forms for Rangers.
East Belfast boy Charlie has been a star in the making since joining the club. He made his debut for the Under 20s when just fourteen, and earlier this season he became Glentoran’s youngest ever first team player when he played against Ballyclare Comrades at the Oval.
Charlie has been lined with Rangers for some time, and he sealed his move after impressing at the prestigious Alkass tournament in Qatar, where he captained the Rangers side.
Rangers’ Sporting Director Ross Wilson commented: “We are really excited that Charlie will join Rangers upon the transfer window opening and international clearance being received.
“Charlie is one of the most sought after youngsters in the United Kingdom and we are delighted that he sees Rangers as the best place for him to continue in the development of his undoubted talent.
We are now establishing strong ways of working in our scouting and recruitment teams across the first team and the Academy therefore it’s important that all of our staff have a vision that is clear as we position ourselves as a club that is ambitious to recruit the most talented academy aged players in the UK.
“We know that as a club we are hugely respected in Northern Ireland and our scouting presence in the country represents us exceptionally well. That vision starts with young players in Scotland but within our strategy we have identified other markets that we need to be extremely strong in and Northern Ireland is undoubtedly one of those.”
Meanwhile, Rangers Head of Academy Craig Mulholland added: Charlie is a player who has been a priority for us for some time and we are delighted that he has chosen Rangers.
“He is an attacking midfield player who is one of the youngest to play senior football in Northern Ireland. Charlie was identified initially by our excellent scout in Northern Ireland, Phil Cowen, and having watched him many times it is clear his attributes fit the characteristics we look for in a Rangers player.
“He is quick, aggressive and loves to make runs beyond strikers to break the back line and has great finishing ability. Perhaps his biggest quality however is his single minded desire to improve, his obsession to be the best and a focussed maturity rarely found in one so young.
“Charlie also comes from a terrific family unit who provide lots of important support. When players with this attitude are exposed to the environment we now have at Rangers Academy, with lots of ‘best v best’ challenges, and top experienced staff in our coaching, sports science, medical, analysis, education and player care teams, it leads to a very exciting future for both the player and the club. We are delighted to welcome Charlie to Rangers and very much look forward to working with him.”
Glentoran Academy Manager Stephen Lowry said of Charlie’s big move: “It has been a privilege and honour to watch Charlie progress through our Academy from a very young age. There has been times his headlines have made me even prouder to be a Glenman. His attributes are a joy to watch and I personally will miss being able to nip down the road and watch him play on a Saturday. The team Charlie played in, our 2004s, were a special bunch the like of which only comes around now and again. Watching that team play under Charlie’s dad Jason was mesmerising and what struck me most about them was how they seemed to communicate with each other almost telepathically! They just knew where to be and what runs to make for each other and where to put the ball at the right times without even really shouting to each other. That team now reaches the end of its cycle and as it breaks up with the lads moving across the water or on to our senior ranks all we can do is hand them over now and hope we’ve prepared them well and wish them all the best. I’m sure I can speak for all Glenmen when I say we really look forward to following Charlie’s progress and let’s hope he can smash more records with his new club. Rangers are gaining a star okay!”