Stephen Carson (1997 to 2001)
Rangers beat off stiff competition from Manchester United to lure 17-year-old Carson to Ibrox in 1997.
The Ballymoney born winger joined the Gers youth side from Linfield, going on to make his debut in the closing stages of extra time at Pittodrie as Dick Advocaat experienced a domestic cup defeat for the first time as Rangers boss. With Jonatan Johansson suffering an injury that would keep him on the side-lines for 4 months (less than a month after Michael Mols had been ruled out for the remainder of the season), it was undoubtedly a night to forget for the 'Little General'.
Stephen's Ibrox bow came just over a year later, his first top team win bonus secured in a 2-0 win over Motherwell with Konterman and Ferguson netting before Carson was introduced to the proceedings.
Carson's final two appearances ended in defeat, both Dundee sides securing victory during March of 2001. The 1-0 loss at Tannadice ended any hopes of silverware in what had been a hugely disappointing campaign for the Club, United progressing to the semi-final courtesy of Hannah's second half goal. Carson made the starting line for Dundee's midweek visit just days later but goals from Claudio Caniggia and Milne earned the Dark Blues maximum points. The youngster was withdrawn at the break and Rangers were reduced to 10 men at the start of the second half when Craig Moore was dismissed.
Whilst Stephen had played his last game for the Club, the legendary Caniggia would soon sign on at Ibrox.
Dundee United manager Alex Smith paid Rangers £150,000 to secure the services of Carson on 6th August 2001. Stephen would make 25 first team appearances for United over two seasons, turning out against his former side on three occasions.
After brief spells in England with Barnsley and Hartlepool, Carson returned to Northern Ireland where he played more than 300 times for boyhood side Coleraine over two different periods at 'The Showgrounds'.
Stephen is currently 'Homegrown Academy Director' of FC Westchester, a founding member of the MLS Next (an elite youth soccer league in the U.S. and Canada organised by Major League Soccer to develop players from U13 to U19).
by Rick Plews
