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Former Rangers striker Andy Little learned so many life lessons during his time at the Light Blues Academy and he continues to display an incredible work ethic and willingness to succeed in his business career.
The Northern Irishman, who celebrated his 36th birthday recently, retired from the game 7 years ago after a series of unfortunate injuries but he didn’t rest on his laurels once he hung up his boots.
Quite the opposite in fact.
He explored a number of options inside and outside of football before launching two companies 4 years ago just a stone’s throw from Ibrox, where he enjoyed so many highlights during his playing days.
Little’s Vehicle Hire and estate agency Gallus Sales & Lettings – who have just opened a new flagship, high street office on Paisley Road West – have both gone from strength to strength and he is immensely proud of their growth.
Andy, who won 9 caps for his country, first moved to Scotland when he joined the Rangers Academy in 2006 and he made his first-team debut against St Mirren in April 2009.
Legendary manager Walter Smith handed him his first start in a right-back role against Celtic in September 2009 but his big moment was cruelly cut short when he picked up a hamstring injury early in the game.
He made up for it a few season later though when he scored his first derby goal in a 3-2 win at Ibrox and he remained loyal to the club he loves post Administration, playing his part as the Light Blues progressed back through the divisions to the top-flight.
During Season 2012/13 Little bagged 25 goals and he cherishes the memories he has of pulling on the famous blue jersey.
He left Rangers in 2014 but is rightly proud of his football journey – a career where he had to dig deep and work incredibly hard in trying circumstances after a succession of injuries.
Now he is making his mark in the business world and is enjoying his career away from professional football.
Reflecting on his recent enterprises and Light Blues career as he showed his support for The Rangers Youth Development Company – who have donated more than £12 million to the Rangers Academy to date – Andy said: “When I look back, I had 8 amazing years at Rangers.
“I was probably a week away from being released at the age of 19 but thankfully Sandy Jardine spotted me and thought that I could be a right back.
“That was the only reason I stayed at the club or I would have been on my way.
“When I signed for Rangers at 17, if you had given me a rundown of the things I would achieve and the experiences I would have in professional football, I wouldn’t have believed you.
“That is the truth, I really wouldn’t have believed you. I achieved far more in the game than I ever expected and I loved every minute of my time at Rangers and Northern Ireland.
“It was incredible and I have experiences and memories to cherish forever.
“Scoring at Ibrox in a win against Celtic is the stuff of dreams. I only wish you could bottle up that feeling, it’s something I will take with me to the grave.
“And I was delighted to score so many goals and play so many games the season we won the Third Division title. I was thrilled to play my part and I am proud of what I achieved.
“I am also proud that I didn’t give up when the last head injury happened. A few specialists told me to really consider retirement at that point but I am glad I didn’t give up and I gave it another go before I felt it was the right time.
“After the head injury, in April 2017, I didn’t want to quit.
“I thought there was a chance I could get back playing again and I am glad that I did but I just felt that I wasn’t able to do what I used to be able to do.
“I was struggling with headaches every so often, my fitness wasn’t there and I was just lacking sharpness. Mainly, it was frustration though.
“My body wasn’t capable of doing what it used to be able to do. I have never been a technical player, my game has always been the physical side of things and I felt like I was missing that.
“I got fed up with dealing with the downs and I was really struggling to cope with the frustrations of injuries.
“I felt I needed to make a bigger decision for my life and put myself out of my misery because it wasn’t worthwhile anymore.
“Since I made the decision to retire, I’ve reset and reinvented myself and I have no regrets at all.
“I loved playing for Rangers. It was a genuine honour and privilege to wear the jersey and I will never forget it.
“But I love what I do now and I work with some incredible people at Little’s Vehicle Hire and Gallus Sales & Lettings.
“I learned so much about football and life during my time at Rangers – from an Academy prospect to playing for Walter Smith and Ally McCoist – and the lessons I learned there have definitely helped me in my business career.
“I am blessed to have an incredible team. I really enjoy what I do and both businesses are just near Ibrox.
“Gallus just opened its first high-street store on Paisley Road West and it is the start of another exciting chapter for us.
“My football career was built on hard work and it is the same in my business career.
“I honestly believe former professional sportsmen and women have a drive and determination that is appealing to potential employers and clients.
“For years we made so many sacrifices and had a dedication and focus to succeed. We learned to deal with pressure and expectation and those qualities helped me in my business life.
“I have received so many messages of support from Rangers fans and people I have met through football and I can’t thank them enough for their backing.
“I will always cherish the time I had at the club and I pass by Ibrox almost every day.
“After being released by Preston North End, I ruptured my hamstring while on trial with Stuart McCall’s Bradford City.
“I was out of contract and it was a low point so I craved a return to Glasgow.
“At that point I was a ready for a change. I had a passion for property and I started working part time for a letting agency in the city.
“I worked there for 4 years learning the trade while also trying to play football part-time.
“Four years on from then and I have my own estate agency – Gallus Sales & Lettings – which I run with business partner Matthew Gunn.
“We now manage nearly 300 properties throughout Glasgow and we are well on our way to becoming the go -to sales agency in the wider Govan, Ibrox Bellahouston and Cardonald areas.
“We are supported brilliantly by Jenna and Chloe in our new store.
“I still love football though and I enjoy doing commentary with Tom Miller on Rangers TV.
“I love talking about football, I love the Old Firm and the Glasgow buzz.
“Plenty of my mates are Celtic fans, everyone has their mates from other backgrounds, and I love the craic and banter about Scottish football, especially in Glasgow.
“A few players from Northern Ireland have progressed to the Rangers first-team recently – Mason Munn and Ross McCausland – and that is great to see too.
“I always like to see Academy players getting a chance as I know how hard it is to break into the team and it is even harder to stay there.
“But we have seen guys like Liam Kelly, Bailey Rice and Findlay Curtis feature and their development is assisted by RYDC support.
“It’s more than £12 million now donated to the Rangers Academy and that is an incredible amount to raise for youth football.
“Colin Stewart and his team deserve great credit for generating that amount and the Rangers fans do too for playing their products.
“Hopefully we can see more Academy players breaking through next season and beyond.
“There are exciting times ahead for Rangers with the takeover very close and it’s also a busy summer for me and the Gallus team as we look to build on our own recent success.
“If you need a van and car hire or are looking for a property to let or sell then I’m your man.”
CLICK HERE for more information on Gallus Sales and Lettings
CLICK HERE for more information on Little’s Vehicle Hire
Andy benefitted directly from RYDC support when he was coming through the Rangers Academy and we wish him well with his latest venture.
Profit from our online store and products like Rangers Lotto, Stadium Bricks and The Union Jackpot draw all go to the Academy, while profit from Museum Lotto is donated to the club for the upkeep and maintenance of the museum.
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