Andy Webster first made the breakthrough at Hearts, playing in the heart of defence alongside the influential Steven Pressley.
His performances for the Jambos alerted the attention of bigger clubs and Webster was keen to move on. However, his move to Wigan was hampered by Hearts’ unwillingness to sell him. Rather than see his Premiership dream die, though, Webster stunned the footballing world by marching out on his contract. Now known as ‘The Webster Ruling’, he insisted that moving to another country whilst in the third of a four year contract was perfectly reasonable.
Nethertheless, his time at Wigan was hampered by subsequent legal troubles and injury woes. He then moved to Rangers, first on loan and then permanently in June.
However, further knee troubles have wrecked his Ibrox career, too, and the 26-year-old knows he has to play some football at Ashton Gate, where he’ll be on loan with Championship outfit Bristol City until January.
He told the Robins’ official website: “I’ve trained throughout pre-season and feel fine. However, the sooner I get involved in matches the better.
“I know I have to earn the right to play. I’ll work hard in training and hopefully play as many games as possible.
“The last few years have been frustrating for me but I’m hoping to put that behind me now.”
“I know the club had a great season last year, reaching the play-off final. Everyone was disappointed not to win promotion to the Premier League but the goal is to improve on that and go one better this time around.”
Former Hearts colleagues Jamie McAllister and Lee Johnson are also City players.
Torrid
As for the Gers, the sale of Carlos Cuellar and David Weir’s advanced years may mean that the Glasgow giants don’t want to lose Webster for good.
Boss Walter Smith explained: “Andy has had a torrid time since he arrived at Rangers and it will be good for him to get games every week in another environment.
“We feel it will be beneficial for him to get regular football there and we hope he can return to the level we all know he is capable of.”
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