Oli McBurnie interview: ‘Lundstram is a top player’

Rangers completed another big summer signing with the arrival of John Lundstram on a free transfer, after the players contract had expired at Sheffield United.

News had began to surface late Sunday night of Rangers apparent ‘rekindled’ interest in the player, with an early Monday club announcement confirming the deal as done.

The 27 year old becomes a Rangers player after a year of speculation linking him with a move. The player is now on record as being ‘delighted’ with his move and Ross Wilson telling club TV that Lundstram was a ‘major target’ for the summer.

He told Heart and Hand podcast, in a exclusive fan-media interview ( here 👉🏻 https://www.patreon.com/posts/53385847 ) that he sees himself as a ‘Box to box midfielder, who can bring goals’. It’s an interesting admission and many observations that he could replicate Scott Arfield seem legitimate.

We also know he likes a tackle with many clips of him sliding into 50/50’s readily available. So it seems clear Rangers have signed a player with real pedigree and reaching his peak years.

What’s also encouraging is the work done in this specific market, with Fashion Sakala and Nnamdi Ofoborh also being added for free. This level of business is only capable when you have a settled squad and a management team able to plan in succession for the future. It seems evident that’s what Rangers are doing and it’s smart business the club should be applauded for.

Yesterday I chatted with Sheffield United and Scotland international Oli McBurnie to get a small insight into John Lundstram. It is a matter of public record Oli is a Rangers fan and is often up attending games where he can. So who better to ask exactly what John Lundstram was like as a player and teammate.

So what kind of player can we expect John Lundstram to be for Rangers?

Oli – A top player. John can play anywhere in midfield. He’s a midfield engine, excellent with both feet and has a great range of passing with an eye for a goal as well.

What about as a teammate and colleague in the dressing room?

Oli – A natural born winner.

As a lad from Liverpool, I think we all know what they are like (passion wise). Demanding of his teammates both in training and in games, but one of the best blokes you will meet.

He will be a big miss in the Sheffield United dressing room.

As a Rangers fan, you will have seen a lot of us, how much are you looking forward to seeing John progress in our side?

Oli – Very much looking forward to it.

He had mentioned the interest to me a while back and I’ve been persuading him every day since (once it was known he was leaving Sheffield United), that’s how highly I rate him.

To be fair he didn’t need much persuasion because I think as soon as he spoke to the manger and realised how big the club was, he was sold.

So I’m looking forward to watching him play for the teddies.

So this should make it easier for you to get match day tickets then? 😁

I’ve already been on him to send me a shirt!

Also told him the next time we have a weekend up get the spare bed ready for me!

End.

I think it’s clear how highly he’s rated both as a player and teammate. Whilst I don’t expect a former teammate to ‘badmouth’ a fellow pro, Oli could easily have declined and made excuses. The fact that he is so excited for John Lundstram to be at our club should be exciting for all of us.

Oli is a lad I have spoken with a bit as we have chatted Rangers. It’s clear he’s got feelings for the club beyond his profession. It’s with my huge thanks he gives up his time to speak to me today. I look forward to seeing him up at Ibrox when he can, I’ve already promised him a pint or two. Being a Rangers fan is often seen as a criticism for some, it’s refreshing we have someone so prepared to make his love for our club so visible.

As for Rangers and John Lundstram, it is obvious that we will judge the player on the park and with what he brings to the team. But what is clear is this is a move that fits into exactly what our vision is and with what we are trying to do as a club.

I’m extremely looking forward to seeing what he will bring to the club. I think both he and Fashion Sakala will be huge assets to the squad and will be shrewd additions.

Rangers are Champions and it’s clear we want to stay that way. The manager is already on record as saying ‘55’ is consigned to history, well it certainly looks like we are out to make more.

Welcome to Rangers John Lundstram.