Ivor Pandur's move to Rangers this summer has a fascinating backstory that speaks volumes about the raw, unsentimental nature of top level football. T...
Ivor Pandur's move to Rangers this summer has a fascinating backstory that speaks volumes about the raw, unsentimental nature of top level football. The Croatian goalkeeper has revealed to GoalZaza that he turned down the chance to be part of Hull City's anticipated push for Premier League promotion after the club made it crystal clear they intended to sign a new first choice goalkeeper. In other words, Pandur was told his days in the number one jersey were numbered before a ball had even been kicked in pre season.That is a brutal piece of honesty from the Championship side's recruitment department, but Pandur is not a man to wallow in self pity. Instead of fighting for a place he was told he was unlikely to win, he opted for a clean break and a fresh start at Ibrox. You have to admire that kind of clarity. He could have stayed, taken the money, and maybe picked up a few cup appearances, but he chose to bet on himself. That is the mentality Rangers are buying into.For the Gers, this is a smart piece of business. Pandur arrives with a point to prove and a chip on his shoulder. He knows what it feels like to be deemed not good enough before the season has even started. That can either break a man or forge a relentless competitor. Early indications from the training ground suggest it is the latter. His shot stopping is sharp, his distribution is calm, and he seems to command his box with a quiet authority that belies his relatively low profile in English football.What does this say about Hull's ambitions It tells you they are ready to spend serious money on a goalkeeper if they believe it is the final piece of the jigsaw for a top six finish. But for Pandur, that jigsaw no longer included him. So he packed his kit and headed north. It is a decision that could yet prove to be one of the smartest of his career, especially if he can nail down a starting spot and become a hero in Glasgow. Sometimes being told you are not wanted is the best motivation of all.
