Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic has expressed regret over the departure of Ivor Pandur to Rangers this summer, but conceded it was a necessary decision dictated by finances.
After leading the Tigers to Premier League football after a stunning Wembley Playoff victory in May, the Bosnian coach lamented the loss of his former keeper, but is pleased that the move to Glasgow represents a great challenge for Pandur.
The Croatian international was signed in a £6 million deal, with Jack Butland moving in the opposite direction for £3 million.
Ivor Pandur’s situation was heavily influenced by Financial Fair Play regulations, with Jakirovic making it clear that it was not a matter of wanting to sell the stopper.
“On the one hand, I’m sorry, on the other hand, I’m glad for him because he got good terms and it’s not a small thing to defend for Rangers, said the Hull manager.
“We had to sell him because he was hanging over our head because of financial fair play and a potential loss of six points. I wish him the best of luck and let him continue on this path.”
Ivor Pandur makes history for Hull
Ivor Pandur was the established first-choice keeper for Hull City last season, fulfilling a crucial role in their run to the Playoffs and then securing Wembley glory.
He featured in all but one of the Tigers’ 46 Championship matches last season and peaked at the right time as he became only the fourth goalkeeper in history to keep clean sheets in both Playoff play-off semi-finals and the final.
Due to Ivor Pandur’s involvement at the World Cup, he is still on holiday and yet to report for duty as a Rangers player.
He will meet his teammates when they return from the training camp in Spain, but the Croatian won’t be present at Auchenhowie until Monday, 20 July.
Rangers dilemma on Pandur
That leaves less than two weeks until the Premiership opener against Dundee United, and in the same week that Rangers face Saint Etienne and West Ham United in the two public friendly games before the start of the campaign on domestic and European fronts.
The clock is ticking all round – with not a lot of scope for Pandur to hit the ground running.
He will be given every opportunity to get to the required level with his new teammates, but it could also present a chance for Liam Kelly.
All will be revealed very soon.
