Rangers home in on Jeffers
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Article summary
Scottish Premier League champions Rangers FC have signed out-of-favour Charlton Athletic FC striker Francis Jeffers on loan until January.
Article body
Injury blighted
The 24-year-old, capped once by England, has struggled to regain the form that convinced Arsenal FC to spend €11.7m to bring him from Everton FC in 2001. A series of injuries spoiled his time at Highbury, limiting him to four starts in two years before he returned to Goodison Park on loan.
Fresh start
A €3.8m move across London to Charlton last summer raised hopes of a career revival but Jeffers has failed to hold down a first-team place at The Valley, scoring five goals last season and not featuring this term. He will now look for success north of the border and will be eligible for Rangers' UEFA Champions League Group H campaign against FC Internazionale Milano, FC Porto and FC Artmedia Bratislava.
Maniero signs
Rangers have also added experienced forward Maniero to their squad while allowing defender Michael Ball to join PSV Eindhoven on a two-year contract. The 32-year-old Maniero was with Torino Calcio last season having played for ten other clubs in his homeland, including Parma FC and UC Sampdoria.
