Michael Beale says it was a hard decision to bring Scott Arfield's Rangers career to an end - but he won't be the last out of Ibrox this summer.
The former Canada international has had his departure confirmed, alongside Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor and Filip Helander, ahead of Wednesday's final home Premiership game of the season against Hearts. A big rebuild is about to commence as Beale looks to wrestle the kings of Scotland crown into Rangers hands, and fresh faces will be added.
But veteran Arfield - who helped them win the league in 2021 and played a key role in the run to the Europa League final last season - was one player Beale found hard to tell his time was up. But he insists it's the right call, saying: "Individually excellent, as a group we are losing a lot of experience. McGregor, hall of fame and many fantastic moments for this club. Helander had an amazing partnership with Goldson and was a big loss for us with injury.
"Arfield pulls on the heart strings big time, as a man and as a person has been fantastic around the place, adored by the fans. A real amicable conversation ongoing over the last couple of months, around playing time, players coming in and what Scott needs moving forward. A difficult decision but the best one for all parties.
"Kent has had some big moments for this club, an excellent player for Rangers. Morelos has had an outstanding contribution for this club, the European Top Goalscorer for Rangers. There is a few players in the squad I will have conversations with about their future and playing time for next season. We want to reduce the number of players in the squad and energise with age and energy, it is a fantastic club to come sign for, we want the full squad to feel close to playing."
