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Michael Ball's Rangers money madness

Michael Ball says he realised Rangers were heading for financial meltdown — because he had to pay £4,000 to Everton every time he wanted to play for the Scottish giants after he passed 60 games for them.

The England international found his career was caught up in an pay deal between the two clubs, which Rangers were ultimately unable to meet. He had to fork out £4,000 from his own pocket in order to play for the SPL side.

He explained: ?There was an agreement that when I played 60 games Everton were due more money. It was only four or five games before I hit the number I found out. I didn't know about it — it was between Murray and Bill Kenwright.

?It took a few weeks of talks before we came to an agreement and it was Murray's idea. He said, ?I want you to play but can't afford to pay the money'. For him to pull me in and say that it was clear the finances weren't there.

?I suppose alarm bells should have started ringing but back then no one could have imagined it coming to this.

?Murray actually called Kenwright but he wouldn't waive it. So we agreed it would be paid in instalments. I paid £4,000 every time I played and Rangers weighed in with the same.

?I don't even think [manager Alex] McLeish knew at first but after the first couple of games I eventually told him. Paying the money was worth it to me as I wanted to play. I was on high wages so giving something back was okay.?

Ball moved to Ibrox from Goodison Park in a £6.5million deal in 2001.

Quotes or other material sourced from Off the Post

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