Nile Ranger Departures Kettering Town After 50 Appearances
Former Premier League striker Nile Ranger has departed from Southern League side Kettering Town by mutual consent.
Ranger, who made his debut for the Poppies in September 2024, left the club just one day after achieving his 50th appearance in a match against Alvechurch on Saturday.
The 34-year-old was a standout performer this season, ranking as joint-second top scorer in the seventh-tier Southern League Premier Central with six goals in ten games, contributing to a total of 18 goals across all competitions.
He won the hearts of Kettering fans by scoring the decisive goal in an FA Cup match against Northampton Town last season, which was broadcast on BBC.
Club owner George Akhtar praised Ranger's commitment, stating on the club's website, "His commitment to the club, both on and off the pitch, is a testament to him. You will be missed. Big players step up in big games, and that’s what epitomizes Nile Ranger."
A product of the Newcastle academy, Ranger scored 24 goals in 147 appearances across the top four tiers of English football, including 62 matches for the Magpies. However, he acknowledged to BBC Sport last year that he had "messed up" his career due to off-field controversies.