There have been few more enigmatic players than Todd Cantwell at Rangers in recent seasons.
The 26-year-old Englishman is a player of clear ability but issues with his attitude and application have resulted in a series of high profile run-ins at the club.
That includes with manager Philippe Clement, who hauled Todd Cantwell off the park v Aris Limassol earlier in the season before hauling him away from the refereeing team at the end of the Scottish Cup Final.
But there have also been a series of run-ins with Rangers fans who, whilst largely believing in Cantwell’s ability, haven’t always appreciated the player’s use of social media.
Now, as Cantwell clashes with a supporter on Instagram, one new signing has sent a timely reminder about the pitfalls of spending too much time online.
Cantwell brands Rangers fan a ‘weapon’
Every player is different, we know that.
But at Rangers the expectations are such that when you haven’t delivered, you’re best getting your head down and working on rectifying it straight away.
There’s a feeling amongst the support that an acceptance of second best is rife in the squad, who’ve just watched our Old Firm rivals romp to three titles on the bounce.
It’s something which has got to change with Rangers fans demanding more focus, more attention and – most importantly – more respect to the fact that it is not good enough.
But in the age of social media, that’s not always been possible.
Todd Cantwell and Fabio Silva were hounded last season for some shameless social media promotion as the club’s title tilt collapsed.
It’s symbolic of a team and club who have insisted on doing their talking off the pitch in the battle with Celtic rather than on it.
The midfielder also courted controversy with some not-so-cryptic ‘bird in a cage’ claims on Instagram which clearly hint at dissatisfaction with how Clement is utilising him.
To be fair to Cantwell he’s not the only one.
Club captain James Tavernier disabled comments on a video clip which included highlights of last season, an ill-judged move against the backdrop of yet another domestic collapse.
Now, Todd Cantwell has posted a highlight reel of his own, baiting the hook for supporters to bite with the midfielder himself getting drawn into a needless argument with a fan on Instagram.
Branding the fan a ‘weapon’, Cantwell was incensed when the supporter demanded the midfielder ‘performed on the pitch instead of Instagram’.
Cantwell responded: “Clips are from me playing you weapon”.
It’s not gone down well with supporters who are beginning to feel that Cantwell’s bark is much worse than his bite.
It’s all getting a bit tense and it’s little wonder we’ve heard the ex-Norwich star has one eye on the exit door.
New Ibrox signing in refreshing social media take
At the same time as Todd Cantwell is getting embroiled in needless Instagram arguments with Rangers supporters, one new signing has a refreshing take on social media.
Connor Barron has upset the Aberdeen support by joining Rangers at the end of his Pittodrie contract.
Whilst the fees involved in the transfer are still to be decided amid the looming threat of a tribunal, Barron has been speaking about the reaction to the move this week.
And – in a refreshing common sense approach – Barron insists it’s ’not my job’ to be on social media with the midfielder giving these often toxic platforms a bye.
“To be honest, I haven’t seen anything [online],” Barron told his first Rangers press conference. “All I do is focus on my job on the pitch.
“I don’t go on social media or anything like that. That is not my job. My job is to go on the pitch and perform and let my football do the talking.
“It doesn’t get to me. Not at all. It doesn’t get to me. When you are a club the size of Rangers, that can’t get into your head. If it does, then there is a problem.
“I am a big character myself. I have been through a lot in my career so far, and experienced many things, and I want more experiences to come at this club and hopefully successful times ahead.
“My football does the talking. My job is being a Rangers player, being successful here and that’s it.
“I felt as if this was the right place for me. Since day one I have felt at home, and I can’t wait to get out there.”
Needless to say, we urge Todd Cantwell to listen to the advice of his new Rangers teammate.
