Former Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton urged Nile Ranger to follow the example of fellow academy striker Wesley Ngo Baheng, according to the French forward himself. Ranger made his black-and-white debut at the age of 18, but his career was dogged by problems off the pitch and was released after five years with the club.
The 30-year-old now plays for National League outfit Boreham Wood following similar spells at Blackpool, Southend United and Swindon Town. Ranger also spent time in prison after confessing to online banking fraud, and spent more than two years without a professional contract.
The striker signed for the Magpies in 2008 following an approach from director of football Dennis Wise, and was included in the matchday squad for a clash at Arsenal under Kevin Keegan. However, it was Chris Hughton who would give Ranger his first-team debut the following season in the Championship.
