LEEDS MOVE WAS NEVER KENT TO BE
Ryan snubs new boys on EPL block as he’s settled at Ibrox
AFTER being bounced around on loans from Bristol to Barnsley and the Bundesliga, Ryan Kent finally feels at home.
At 23, the Rangers star has no wish to reset the satnav.
Not even when Leeds with a world-renowned coach in Marcelo Bielsa are crooking a finger towards him.
Kent may be flattered by the Premier League new boys’ interest while his manager Steven Gerrard is convinced others will follow in pursuit of the former Liverpool kid.
But the £7million winger is going nowhere.
He said as much yesterday as he held the Player of the Month award following a scintillating start to the season, which saw Gerrard pick up the manager’s trophy.
Three goals in the first six games have added the finishing touches to some dynamic displays and Kent puts it down to Gerrard giving him the freedom to roam and, with it, cause damage wherever he sees fit.
That – and finally putting down roots – have convinced Kent he doesn’t have to add any other club to a CV already boasting
Freiburg, Coventry, Bristol City and Barnsley.
Kent said: “I ’ve always wanted stability, to find a club where I’m really settled and playing week in, week out.
“All the experiences have been really beneficial and learning from all my previous managers has benefited me.
“I now feel I can put all those together and I’m really fortunate that it’s at Rangers.”
When Leeds’ £10m bid was rejected by Rangers, Kent made a point of letting the club know he was very happy in Glasgow. He has underlined that with his performances and wants to build on it, starting this afternoon against Dundee United. He added: “I’m really happy. I’m enjoying my football, so I’ll continue to go out and do that at Rangers. “My dialogue with the club was I am in a very good position and as long as I can be happy going out on the pitch, winning games and playing for the team, then I’m happy where I am.
“My all- round game is coming together.
“I’m adding numbers and getting in dangerous areas to affect the game. The numbers are what the manager wants, so that’s very pleasing.
“The management and coaches are always putting their faith in me, encouraging me and giving me confidence and trusting in my ability.
“Every time I step on to the pitch I’ll play with no fear.
“I could give the ball away five times on the bounce but I’ll always go looking for it because I know there will always be a moment where I can affect the game and I relish the opportunity to be one of the main players in the team.”
Gerrard will be delighted to hear it. Just as he was thrilled his playmaker’s excellent start to the season was recognised.
The Ibrox boss said: “Without being biased, Ryan deserves to be Player of the Month.
“He’s in sensational form and looking really sharp. He’s really happy and settled here. Ryan is on a very good contract and not let any interest affect him.
“He’s used it as a compliment that people are enjoying what they’re seeing of his form. He scores goals, looks very dangerous, and really takes it to teams and t r i es to cause as much damage as he can from d i f f e re n t areas.
“We ’ v e given him that freedom to go and express himself.
“He’ll get more interest, we’ll get more phone calls because he’s a fantastic player.”
Kent also takes great pride in Rangers’ record-equalling six league clean sheets on the spin.
The defence has taken the plaudits but Kent says everyone has played their part.
He added: “The defensive record starts with the frontmen working hard off the ball but ultimately it’s the back four that holds the line.
“It’s an all-round team effort. Forwards get more freedom to try things, having a solid back four and midfield behind you.”