Alious
Despite having a Premier League title to his name, former Rangers defender Colin Hendry insists that no club came close to matching the size and magnitude of Rangers during his career — and he believes Conor Coady will feel exactly the same if he makes the switch to Ibrox.
The 32-year-old Leicester City centre-back has emerged as a leading summer target for Rangers boss Russell Martin, with talks already underway between the club and the former Wolves captain. Although a number of English sides are monitoring Coady’s situation, the Scottish giants are reportedly in pole position to land his signature.
Coady, currently on punditry duties at the Under-21 European Championships, endured underwhelming stints at Everton and Leicester following his £7.5m move from Wolves. But Hendry believes a fresh challenge in Glasgow could reignite his career — and provide the biggest platform he’s ever had.
“Biggest Club He’ll Ever Play For” – Hendry
Speaking to *Coin Poker*, Hendry reflected on the weight of pulling on the Light Blue shirt and suggested Coady is in line for a transformative move if he joins Rangers.
“When I signed for Rangers, it was the pinnacle for me as a Scottish player,” Hendry said. “I’d played in the Premier League, won it with Blackburn, and featured for big English clubs like Manchester City, but nothing compared to the pressure, the history, and the passion at Ibrox.”
He added: “For Conor, he’s English, and probably didn’t grow up with the same Rangers dream — but make no mistake, if he signs, it will be the biggest club of his career. The demands, the intensity, the expectation — it’s all on another level.”
Coady’s Stumble and the Shot at Redemption
Hendry acknowledged Coady’s recent struggles, including difficult spells with Everton and Leicester, but stressed that Rangers could offer the ideal setting to reignite his career in a meaningful way.
“His last couple of clubs haven’t worked out the way he’d have wanted. But that doesn’t mean his story’s over. If he comes to Rangers and embraces the challenge, it could turn out to be the best move he’s ever made.”
Russell Martin’s Advantage – He Knows the Terrain
Hendry is optimistic about Rangers’ new managerial appointment as well. He believes Russell Martin, a former Ibrox player himself, will have a crucial edge thanks to his familiarity with the club and the demands of the fanbase.
“Russell’s walked through those doors before. He knows what it means to play for Rangers, and more importantly, what it takes to win here. That puts him in a better position than most managers who come in blind to the culture and pressure.”
The Old Firm Pressure Cooker
The ex-Scotland international also issued a reality check about the unforgiving nature of managing — and playing — for Rangers.
“At this club, second place is failure. You beat Celtic and you’re a hero; you fall short, and it counts for nothing. That’s how it’s always been,” Hendry said. “Scottish football might look like a two-horse race from the outside, but it’s the most intense rivalry in the UK — maybe even in Europe.”
Final Word: A Defining Decision for Coady
Ultimately, Hendry believes that if Coady is looking for a club where legacy can be built and where every match matters, Rangers offers exactly that.
“If the finances work and Coady has the hunger to take it on, this move could suit all parties. At 32, this is a chance to be part of something massive — not just to play, but to matter.”
Alious
