AliousWhen one of Rangers’ most promising young prospects departed Ibrox on loan in January, he could hardly have anticipated that Celtic icon Neil Lennon would soon step into his temporary new environment.
While Rangers chose to retain Bailey Rice, Findlay Curtis, and Paul Nsio close to the senior squad—with interim manager Barry Ferguson hinting at potential first-team opportunities before the season’s end—those slightly further behind in their progression were sent out on loan to gain crucial experience in lower-tier football.
Goalkeeper Lewis Budinauckas crossed Glasgow to join Partick Thistle, while Jay Hogarth secured a brief seven-day emergency loan at Dunfermline Athletic to cover an injury to their primary goalkeeper, though he has since returned to Rangers.
Archie Stevens, however, has a more extended stay lined up at Dunfermline’s East End Park, where he’ll remain until the 2024/25 season wraps up. Unlike Hogarth’s short-term stint, Stevens’ loan is a five-month commitment, offering him a longer runway to develop.
A product of AFC Wimbledon’s youth system, Stevens has represented England at the Under-17 and Under-18 levels and is widely seen as a talent to watch in both Scotland and England.
His potential has reportedly piqued the interest of several high-profile clubs, including Leeds United, Brighton, Wolves, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, and even whispers of Manchester United.
Yet, his initial spell at Dunfermline has been underwhelming—seven Scottish Championship appearances without a goal or assist to his name.
With his Rangers contract nearing its end and no extension yet secured, Stevens faces an uncertain future as the summer transfer window looms.
Dunfermline, however, recently pulled off a significant coup by coaxing Neil Lennon back to management in Scotland’s second tier.
This development puts Rangers in an odd position, reliant on a figure synonymous with their arch-rivals to help unlock Stevens’ potential—the same potential that allegedly caught the attention of Manchester United, Brighton, and Champions League-bound Forest.
“I’m thrilled at the idea of joining Dunfermline Athletic Football Club,” Lennon said, beaming with enthusiasm.
The former Celtic boss, who clinched five Premiership titles across two managerial spells, added, “After speaking with [owner] James Bord, I was sold on his vision for the club.
Having seen their Scottish Cup game against Aberdeen [a gutsy 3-0 loss at Pittodrie], it’s obvious there’s talent in this group—they just need a confidence boost.”
Stevens, who shone for England at the 2023 Under-17 World Cup, stands to gain significantly from Lennon’s arrival.
During his second tenure at Celtic, Lennon nurtured young stars like Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie, Kristoffer Ajer, and notably Jeremie Frimpong, guiding them toward Europe’s top leagues.
Frimpong, in particular, blossomed into a Bundesliga champion with Bayer Leverkusen—an lofty benchmark Stevens is far from reaching. Despite his links to Premier League outfits, Stevens remains distant from Rangers’ first team, let alone a trajectory mirroring Frimpong’s.
Reflecting on his ambitions last year after starring in Rangers’ Under-18 Scottish Youth Cup triumph, Stevens said, “I want to keep pushing my performances and improving as a player. My goal is to break into the first-team setup—training and playing matches. If I can maintain a high level, I’m hopeful the opportunities will follow.”
For now, under Lennon’s guidance at Dunfermline, he has a chance to prove his worth—both to Rangers and the growing list of suitors watching from afar.
Alious
