RANGERS are today delighted to welcome back former captain Steven Davis on a six-month loan subject to international clearance.
Davis, a real fans favourite in his first spell here at Ibrox, joins from Premier League Southampton, where he has made 226 appearances.
A vastly experienced midfielder, Davis also has 107 caps for Northern Ireland and captained them to their first major tournament in 30 years at Euro 2016.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard said: “Steven is yet another fantastic addition to our squad, we are delighted to welcome him back to the club.
“He is vastly experienced at both club and international level and knows the club, the fans and the demands that come with wearing the Rangers jersey very well.
“He has previously captained the club and been captain for his country and Southampton, so we welcome yet another leader into our dressing room."
Director of Football Mark Allen said: “Everyone at the club welcomes Steven back to Rangers.
“He has been on our radar for some time and becomes the fourth transfer that we have confirmed this window already. We are delighted that he will be able to join his teammates and get started straight away."
Davis began his professional career with Aston Villa in 2004 before making the switch to fellow Premier League outfit Fulham in the summer of 2007.
He spent just six months at Craven Cottage before Walter Smith brought to Ibrox, initially on a loan deal, in January 2008.
In that initial loan spell, he won the League Cup, Scottish Cup and played in the UEFA Cup for Gers.
His scored in the famous defeat of Werder Bremen en-route to Manchester although he also netted in the penalty shootout wins over Dundee United, St Johnstone and Fiorentina.
A permanent deal was agreed that summer, and Davis would end up spending a further four years at Ibrox, winning three SPL titles, a further two League Cups and another Scottish Cup.
He scored 21 goals in the process, including a crucial winner against Celtic in May 2009, and then the opening goal in the 2011 League Cup final.
In his final campaign, following the departure of David Weir, he was made club captain before leaving for Southampton in the summer of 2012.
He was made captain of the Saints last November, and also established himself as a favourite among the faithful on the South Coast.
Rangers wish to thank Southampton for their cooperation in completing this transfer.
Steve Davis signs
posted on 7/1/19
Defoe is surely 2nd choice now so it’s a battle between Hardie and Lafferty for 3rd.
I’d play him before Lafferty, he’s been alright and a bit unlucky with some of the shots he’s had saved but I expected a bit more from him this season.
posted on 7/1/19
All out only to crash and burn by the end of March.
posted on 7/1/19
Strange to bring Hardie back now, don’t get that one. Doing well but hadn’t played that much. Hopefully doesn’t mean anything for Morelos.
posted on 7/1/19
I'd probably send Hardie out again. I think he'd benefit more getting games with Livingston. But it does maybe suggest that two up is going to be something Rangers use and needs more depth to cover it.
posted on 7/1/19
I think with Hardie he might be wanting a look at him in the training camp. I don't think Gerard has seen him in the flesh yet. He was injured at the start of the season was he not?
He might get sent out again after that.
posted on 7/1/19
It's all looking very good over Ibrox way. Welcome back Steve Davis. Pleasing, very pleasing.
posted on 7/1/19
Much like everyone else, I'm surprised at Hardie coming back. He'll be 4th choice striker so unlikely to see much game time, would have been as well letting him have the second half of the season at Livi, get some games, goals, and confidence, then integrate into the first team squad with a full pre-season. Wouldn't have been a bad thing to build up a bit of goodwill with another team too.
posted on 8/1/19
ffs davis and defoe, the gers planning for the future
who do you think you are kidding mr hitler
posted on 8/1/19
ffs davis and defoe, the gers planning for the future
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I think a bit of experience is exactly what we need to be totally honest.
We have been crying out for a leader in the middle of the park and Davis has captained his last two clubs and his international team.
Defoe is a model pro and if Morelos is looking for a role model then he is the ideal man.
Both signings should need minimal periods to adjust to life at Rangers so should give us a real boost for the second half of the season.
posted on 9/1/19
Should be a good signing you’d imagine , as ever time will tell., he was never blessed with pace etc anyway, it was about his ability on the ball so I’m hoping he’s still got it at 34.