Man United trainer claims he turned down Rangers before Ibrox swoop for record-breaker
10/16/2024 04:30 PM
Rangers have gotten used to breaking Aberdeen hearts over the last few seasons.
It didn't take too long for Rangers to usurp the Dons on their climb back up the SPFL with the northeast club's claim to an 80s like rivalry as short-lived as their glory era.
And since then the Ibrox club have incensed Pittodrie supporters by poaching their best young Scottish players, such as Ryan Jack, Scott Wright and more recently, Connor Barron.
The less said about Lewis Ferguson the better, but at least the Bologna star isn't shy in nailing his Ibrox colours to the mast.
Now one ex-Aberdeen skipper is claiming that even when the big bucks of Rangers came calling, his loyalty to Pittodrie meant he couldn't answer.
Joe Lewis claims he turned down Steven Gerrard
Ex-Aberdeen captain and goalkeeper Joe Lewis claims that Steven Gerrard tried to sign him during his time as Rangers manager.
But the former Dons goalie had already given his word to Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes about staying in the northeast.
Lewis also claims that he didn't want to damage his reputation amongst the Aberdeen support despite the increased money on offer.
"We played Rangers away and we lost 2-0 at Ibrox," Lewis told the Daily Record, referring to a match in April 2019. "I had a really good game.
"Rangers made contact with a few people after that game and so I was aware of their interest. They had asked a few questions and knew I was into the last year of my contract.
"I had verbally agreed to an extension with Aberdeen and I wasn't going to go back on that. Rangers are a big club but I wouldn't have felt comfortable going to there from Aberdeen.
It wouldn't have felt right and also I had verbally agreed a new deal with Aberdeen.
"I also didn't want to impact my standing at Aberdeen or to cut ties with people and supporters who I had become friends with.
"Yes, the interest was flattering and the money would have been great, I'm sure.
"I spoke to Derek and he was also aware of Rangers' interest. So he got me in and the following day I signed my new Aberdeen deal. I was happy at Aberdeen. I'm a man of my word."
Rangers moved for Aberdeen goalkeeper alternative
Whilst Joe Lewis might earn more fans in Aberdeen circles for turning down Rangers, the goalkeeper missed out on a shot at glory at Ibrox.
Indeed it took another season before Rangers could find a goalkeeper who could properly challenge Allan McGregor with ex-Hearts stopper Jon McLaughlin joining in the summer of 2020.
The goalie also went on to make history at Rangers, famously keeping a record seven clean sheets at the start of the 20/21 Scottish Premiership season.
McLaughlin also played a key role in Rangers lifting the Scottish Premiership title in his first season, despite Allan McGregor eventually being named Player of the Year.
Spending four years at Ibrox before leaving this summer, McLaughlin tailed off in the latter half of his Rangers career but enjoyed some big moments in Glasgow.
The ex-Gers stopper is now at English Championship outfit Swansea City.
Joe Lewis meanwhile stayed with Aberdeen until 2023 and eventually retired this summer after a stint working as a training goalkeeper with Manchester United.
