Club strip former £3m Rangers ace of captaincy as he’s in ‘a difficult period

The former Rangers ace certainly can’t say he didn’t see this coming.

A midfielder who formerly cost the Scottish Premiership giants £3 million has been cautioned that bad recent performances at his new club may have consequences, almost a year after leaving Ibrox.

The greatest concern is that he may lose his captain’s armband. If Filip Helander wanted to prove his worth as Odense Boldklub’s captain during Friday night’s clash with Rangers’ Scandinavian near-namesakes Randers, he will be disappointed to learn that Bashkim Kadrii will lead the team out at the Odense Stadium instead.

Ex-Rangers man loses the captain’s armband

The Danish team announced on their official website that Helander will no longer wear the armband on the pitch.

“In February, we published a new captain group in OB with the option to moderate who wears the captain’s armband from match to match,” the statement adds. However, the seasoned Helander remains part of the leadership group.

“As part of this, Bashkim Kadrii will wear the captain’s armband on the pitch tonight.

Bashkim, there is no pressure. There is only Odense’s Super League future at risk, with OB only two points ahead of Vejle in the relegation zone. Helander was subbed off during the first half against Velje earlier this month, with head coach Soren Krogh anticipating a red card due to the early booking.

“To ensure that we are also in the Super League for next season, I feel that this (change of captaincy) can release more energy in the playing squad,” he says. “And, therefore, it will be Bashkim Kadrii who will wear the captain’s armband for tonight’s match against Randers FC.”

Helander, a former Bologna defender, was one of several high-profile players that departed Rangers after their contracts expired in July 2023. Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos have struggled at their new clubs, with Kent making only eight league appearances for Fenerbahce and Morelos experiencing similar troubles at Santos in Brazil.

Post-Ibrox troubles for the erstwhile Glasgow triumvirate

Helander, at least, is getting more game time than his former Rangers teammates. The Sweden international has started the last 16 league games, putting the injury problems that ended his Rangers career behind him.

However, while Helander’s fitness has returned, regaining his pre-injury form has proven tough.

“It has been a lot for him,” Odense’s football director, Bjorn Wesstrom, told Fyens Stiftstidende. “Filip Helander is going through a difficult phase.

“Being team captain and center-back is difficult when you struggle to accept responsibility for yourself. It’s been a lot for him. We want to see if we can get more out of him.

Helander may feel a few stone lighter now that he is no longer under the pressure of captaincy.

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