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John Rankin (footballer, born 1983)

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John Rankin
Personal information
Date of birth (1983-06-27) 27 June 1983 (age 41)
Place of birth Bellshill, Scotland
Position(s) Central Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Hamilton Academical (head coach)
Youth career
Rangers SABC[1]
2000–2003 Manchester United
2001 → Corinthians (loan)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2006 Ross County 101 (17)
2006–2008 Inverness Caledonian Thistle 49 (9)
2008–2011 Hibernian 100 (6)
2011–2016 Dundee United 173 (12)
2016–2017 Falkirk 13 (0)
2017–2018 Queen of the South 51 (2)
2018–2020 Clyde 42 (10)
Total 529 (56)
International career
2006 Scotland B 1 (0)
Managerial career
2022– Hamilton Academical
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

John Rankin (born 27 June 1983) is a Scottish football coach and former player, who manages Scottish Championship club Hamilton Academical.

Rankin played as a central midfielder for Ross County, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Hibernian, Dundee United, Falkirk, Queen of the South and Clyde. Rankin also played once for a Scotland B team, in 2006.

Playing career

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Early career

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Rankin started his career at English Premier League club Manchester United but did not make any first team appearances.[2] Whilst at the Red Devils, he was loaned out to Corinthians, along with Ben Muirhead by Alex Ferguson, to gain experience before returning to Manchester United. However, his time there was a disaster, as he explained about how both players struggled for food whilst there:

We got up one day and had our breakfast but then ate no lunch and no dinner. The day after we had NOTHING to eat. Our next meal was lunch the following day. We hadn't eaten for two days and had been at six training sessions so it was a struggle. The other players knew where to go for food but we couldn't communicate with anyone.

Rankin also spoke about the poverty he had seen in his time in Brazil:

One of my main memories is the poverty in the place. I saw people living in wooden sheds and kids begging. The children hunted in packs for food. The kids hung lollipops over your wing mirror if you stopped at traffic lights and if you took them off they'd ask for money. That's how bad it was. I've young children myself now and it's not right for a boy of eight to have to beg. It was a reality check. I was only 18 and it was heart breaking. It really opened my eyes.[3]

Rankin was released by Manchester United in June 2003.[4] After unsuccessful trials with a number of Scottish Premier League clubs[5] Rankin signed for Scottish First Division club Ross County in 2003 and played in 101 league matches for the Dingwall club and scored 17 goals. Rankin also received two league Player of the Year awards.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle

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Rankin moved to Highland derby rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle for a reported fee of £65,000 in 2006, making him one of several players to have played for both Highland clubs. Rankin played in 49 league matches and scored 9 goals for the Caley Jags that included a stunning last minute winner versus Rangers on 27 December 2006.[6]

Hibernian

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In January 2008, Rankin moved to Hibernian for a fee of £110,000.[2] Rankin scored the opening goal in a 2–0 win for Hibs against Celtic on 7 December 2008.[7] The goal was notable because it was scored from a yard in front of the centre circle, approximately 45 yards from the goal.[7] The shot dipped and deceived the Celtic goalkeeper, Polish international Artur Boruc.[7] After the game, Rankin described the shot as a "squiggler".[7]

Rankin was a candidate for the Hibs captaincy after Rob Jones left for Scunthorpe United in the summer of 2009.[8] New manager John Hughes decided to give the armband to Chris Hogg, however, with Ian Murray to serve as Hogg's vice captain.[9] Rankin fell out of favour under Colin Calderwood and was told in March 2011 that his contract would not be renewed.[10][11] Rankin played in 100 league matches for the Hibees and scored 6 goals.

Dundee United

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Rankin signed a two-year contract with Dundee United on 17 May 2011.[12] He scored five goals for United as the team finished fourth in the 2011–12 Scottish Premier League season and qualified for the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League.[13] In June 2012, Rankin agreed an extended contract with United.[13] He was appointed chairman of PFA Scotland in February 2013, replacing Jack Ross.[14] On 26 February 2014, Rankin agreed a two-year contract extension.[15] On 4 May 2016 it was announced that he would be one of eight out-of-contract players leaving the club at the end of the season, having not been offered a new contract.[16] Rankin played in 173 league matches for Dundee United and scored 12 goals.

Falkirk

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On 22 July 2016, Rankin signed for Falkirk,[17] having spent time training with the club.[18] Rankin left Falkirk on 5 January 2017 after the club agreed to terminate his contract.[19] Rankin played in 13 league matches for the Bairns without scoring any goals.

Queen of the South

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On 5 January 2017, Rankin joined Queen of the South on an 18-month contract, until the end of the 2017–18 season.[20][21] Rankin was appointed Queens' club captain by recently appointed manager Gary Naysmith before the league match at St Mirren on 7 January 2017, taking over from previous captain Chris Higgins.[22]

In March 2017, Rankin was appointed as the Under-17s coach at Heart of Midlothian, which he combined with his playing duties at the Doonhamers.[23] Rankin relinquished his position as chairman of PFA Scotland in February 2018[24] and he departed the Dumfries club at the end of the 2017–18 season.[25] Rankin played in 51 league matches for the Doonhamers and scored two goals.

Clyde

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On 9 June 2018, Rankin signed a one-year contract with his local club Clyde.[26]

He was nominated for SPFL goal of the month for in successive months.[27][28]

Rankin suffered a broken ankle in the penultimate league match of the season and missed the play-offs,[29] but the club still won promotion to League One.[30] At the PFA Scotland awards, he was shortlisted for Player of the Year and named in the Team of the Year for League Two.[31]

During the 2018–19 season, Rankin scored nine goals in 39 appearances.[32]

International career

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Rankin represented Scotland B, in a match versus Turkey B in 2006, when he was a Ross County player.[33]

Coaching career

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Towards the end of his playing career Rankin took a youth coaching position with Heart of Midlothian.[23] He moved to Hamilton Academical as assistant head coach in December 2021, and was promoted to the position of head coach in June 2022.[34]

Career statistics

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As of 8 March 2020[35][36]
Club Season League Scottish Cup League Cup Other Total
App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals
Ross County 2003–04 35 5 1 0 2 0 2 1 40 6
2004–05 30 0 3 1 2 0 3 0 38 1
2005–06 36 12 3 0 2 0 2 1 43 13
Total 101 17 7 1 6 0 7 2 121 20
Inverness CT 2006–07 34 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 37 6
2007–08 15 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 18 3
Total 49 9 3 0 3 0 0 0 55 9
Hibernian 2007–08 17 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 19 2
2008–09 33 3 1 0 1 0 2 0 37 3
2009–10 33 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 38 0
2010–11 17 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 20 1
Total 100 6 7 0 4 0 3 0 114 6
Dundee United 2011–12 38 4 3 1 2 0 2 0 45 5
2012–13 35 2 4 0 2 0 2 0 43 2
2013–14 35 2 5 0 3 0 0 0 43 2
2014–15 30 2 2 0 3 0 0 0 35 2
2015–16 35 2 4 0 2 0 0 0 41 2
Total 173 12 18 1 12 0 4 0 207 13
Falkirk 2016-17 13 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 17 0
Total 13 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 17 0
Queen of the South 2016–17 17 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 1
2017–18 34 1 3 0 4 0 3 0 44 1
Total 51 2 3 0 4 0 3 0 61 2
Clyde 2018-19 35 9 1 0 3 0 0 0 39 9
2019-20 7 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 8 1
Total 42 10 2 0 3 0 0 0 47 10
Career total 529 56 40 2 34 0 19 2 622 60

Managerial record

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As of match played 14 December 2024
Team From To Record
G W D L Win %
Hamilton Academical 28 June 2022 present 123 54 28 41 043.90
Total 123 54 28 41 043.90

Honours

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Club

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Man Utd Reserves
Ross County
Dundee United
Clyde
Scotland U16s

Individual

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Managerial

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Hamilton Academical

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "SABC continue to create stars for the future". Youth Football Scotland. 6 November 2013. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 9 December 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Hibernian sign Rankin from Caley". BBC Sport. 17 January 2008. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
  3. ^ "John Rankin: Images of riots in Brazil reminded me of loan spell in poverty stricken Sao Paulo". Daily Record. Glasgow. 1 June 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  4. ^ Davies, Simon (3 June 2003). "Roche released". ManUtd.com. Manchester United Football Club. Archived from the original on 17 December 2005. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  5. ^ "Eric sorry for seeing red". BBC Sport. 4 March 2003. Retrieved 23 February 2012.
  6. ^ "Inverness CT 2–1 Rangers". BBC Sport. 26 December 2006.
  7. ^ a b c d "Rankin practised long 'squiggler'". BBC Sport. 7 December 2008. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
  8. ^ Johnstone, Darren (18 July 2009). "Murray, Hogg and Rankin in contention for Hibs captaincy". Edinburgh Evening News. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
  9. ^ "Hogg named new Hibernian captain". BBC Sport. 22 July 2009. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
  10. ^ Strachan, Colleen (9 March 2011). "Hibs: Stack faces months out as Rankin is told he can depart". Edinburgh Evening News. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
  11. ^ "Hibernian to release 10 players". BBC Sport. 29 April 2011. Retrieved 29 April 2011.
  12. ^ "Former Hibs midfielder John Rankin joins Dundee United". BBC Sport. 17 May 2011. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
  13. ^ a b "Dundee United extend John Rankin contract". BBC Sport. 11 June 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
  14. ^ Newport, Andy (26 February 2013). "John Rankin appointed as PFA Scotland chairman". The Scotsman. Johnston Publishing. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  15. ^ "RANKIN COMMITS TO 2016". Dundee United FC. 26 February 2014.
  16. ^ McLauchlin, Brian (4 May 2016). "Dundee United: Ray McKinnon top of wanted list". BBC Sport Website. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  17. ^ "JOHN RANKIN SIGNS FOR THE BAIRNS". Falkirk F.C. 22 July 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2016.[permanent dead link‍]
  18. ^ "Ex-Dundee United captain trains with Bairns".
  19. ^ "John Rankin departs". Falkirk FC. 5 January 2017. Retrieved 5 January 2017.[permanent dead link‍]
  20. ^ "Rankin joins the ranks". Queen of the South FC. 5 January 2017. Retrieved 5 January 2017.
  21. ^ "John Rankin leaves Falkirk to join Queen of the South". BBC Sport. 5 January 2017. Retrieved 5 January 2017.
  22. ^ "St Mirren 0 Queen of the South 3 – 3 things we learned". 7 January 2017.
  23. ^ a b "Hearts coaching roles for John Rankin and Dale Carrick – Edinburgh Evening News". Archived from the original on 1 April 2017.
  24. ^ "John Rankin". PFA Scotland. 8 February 2018. Retrieved 8 February 2018.[permanent dead link‍]
  25. ^ "Manager Thanks Players As Rebuild Begins". Queen of the South FC. 28 April 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  26. ^ "NEW SIGNING: John Rankin". Clyde FC. 9 June 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  27. ^ "VOTE: DECEMBER GOAL OF THE MONTH". SPFL. 4 January 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  28. ^ "VOTE FOR GOAL OF THE MONTH!". Clyde FC. 5 February 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  29. ^ "Rankin Suffers Broken Ankle". Clyde FC. 28 April 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  30. ^ "Clyde 2-0 Annan Athletic (agg 2-1)". Clyde FC. 18 May 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  31. ^ "Clyde quartet make PFA Scotland Team of the Year". Cumbernauld News. 7 May 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  32. ^ "Team Statistics". Clyde FC. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  33. ^ "FUTURE CUP 2005". scottishfa.co.uk. Scottish Football Association. Archived from the original on 1 July 2008. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  34. ^ "Hamilton Academical promote John Rankin to head coach day after 39th birthday". BBC Sport. 28 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  35. ^ "John Rankin Stats". Soccerbase. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  36. ^ "John Rankin Stats". Soccerway. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  37. ^ "Reserve Stats 2001/02". We Are The Busby Boys. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  38. ^ "Hearts coach John Rankin quits playing and aims to be a boss". The Scotsman. 26 June 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  39. ^ "INCH BY INCH IN EVERY MINUTE OF SKY SPORTS VICTORY SHIELD FOR YOUNG CELT HIGGINS". SPFL. 6 December 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  40. ^ "Rankin voted best in Division One". BBC Sport. 1 May 2006. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  41. ^ "Rankin is voted top player in SFL". BBC Sport. 9 June 2006. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  42. ^ @PFAScotland (5 May 2019). "The League Two Team of the Year 2019 is....congratulations to all the players #PFAS #ToY" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 May 2019 – via Twitter.
  43. ^ "Bell's Monthly Awards for November, 2005". Scottish Professional Football League. 6 December 2005. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  44. ^ "Bell's Monthly Awards for January, 2006". Scottish Professional Football League. 9 February 2006. Archived from the original on 25 April 2017. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  45. ^ "Rankin takes young player award". BBC Sport. 13 January 2004. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  46. ^ Raith Rovers 0–1 Hamilton Academical, Andrew Petrie, BBC Sport, 26 March 2023
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