When John Lundstram signed a three-year contract at Rangers, we’re pretty sure the ex-Sheffield United man didn’t know what he was getting himself in for.
The former Premier League midfielder arrived at Ibrox on a pre-contract but sizeable salary with the Gers holding off interest from across the English top flight.
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But the pace of the Scottish game and the expectations of Ibrox caught John Lundstram by surprise in those early days and since then it’s been a long and winding road in Glasgow.
From that red card v Alashkert to scoring the goal which fired Rangers to the Europa League Final, the bulk of John Lundstram’s Rangers contract has been spent perplexing supporters.
This a footballer who, when at his swashbuckling best, is a dynamic and athletic midfield option who aggressively links defence, midfield and attack and who can produce the odd stunner to boot.
But at his timid best John Lundstram is an insular player who has contributed to the tepid and slow style of play which has permeated Ibrox in recent seasons.
It’s both a compliment and a criticism to suggest that when John Lundstram is at his progressive best, so are Rangers, with the club failing to see enough of it over the last three seasons.
That’s why when we talk of a new contract for the high-earning 29-year-old fans are often mostly weighted towards the notion of letting the midfielder walk free.
John Lundstram contract will depend on Rangers success
John Lundstram has been clear in the past that he wants to stick around but Rangers fans, sick of the club’s domestic toils in recent seasons, want evidence that he can be part of a brighter future.
In the win over Hearts, Rangers once again saw the shoots of recovery in John Lundstram’s game under Philippe Clement which are moving more and more supporters into the new contract camp.
If Rangers can get the sort of mobile, athletic and positive John Lundstram who propped up the midfield v Hearts than we certainly stand to benefit.
But if the Rangers midfielder struggles to maintain the necessary consistency at Ibrox over the course of this season then familiar doubts may well spell the end of what will ultimately be a disappointing tenure.
Ironically, the unfinished business that has John Lundstram determined to stick around at Rangers may require completion before he wins over the bulk of the support.
Now playing some of his best football in recent months, the midfielder is playing himself into contract contention but any new deal will depend on how much John Lundstram can deliver for the club this season.
Even one critical former Celtic star has been praising Lundstram’s contribution v Hearts.
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