NILE Ranger is out to show he is a changed man at Southend United.

The 26-year-old striker, who has been dogged by problems off the pitch throughout his controversial career, has returned to Roots Hall following a 10 week spell in Pentonville Prison.

But Ranger is now fully focused on his football and making the most of what is likely to be his final opportunity to succeed.

“I know I’ve had more lives than a cat but God has put me on this earth and he’s given me these chances,” said Ranger.

“But I know these chances are running out for me now so I need to grab this one with both hands.

“From now on I’ll be running into the ground every single day in training and in every match I play too.

“If I’m being honest, I’m used to being laid back and lazy but not anymore.

“I’m putting the work in and I’m giving it a real go.

“I’ve had a lot of opportunities in my career but I’ve got my head together now.

“I’m focused and I promise I’ll be working my socks off.

“I can’t wait to show everyone it’s a new me.”

Echo:

Back in action - Southend United striker Nile Ranger

Ranger - who was jailed after pleading guilty to online fraud - returned to the Shrimpers last month and made his playing comeback against Rochdale on Saturday.

The forward played the final 37 minutes of the 0-0 draw and will now be doing all he can to make the most of his undoubted talent.

“So many times in the past people would tell me to focus and it would go in one ear and out the other, but now I’m taking everything in,” said Ranger.

“My family sat down with me and so did people here so there is no time for any more messing up.

“I’ve grown up now.

“I’m 26 and I’ve realised there might not be much time for me left in football if I don’t improve so I have to be doing the right things at all times.

“I’ve stopped drinking alcohol and I don’t even know what trouble is anymore because I’m so on it now it’s serious.”

Echo:

Putting in the work - Nile Ranger

Ranger’s eagerness to impress is emphasised throughout a refreshingly honest interview.

And, while the striker holds his hands up to making mistakes, he insists those who continue to question his character and ability to stay on the straight and narrow do not know who he really is.

“I know I have my critics and I deserve criticism for things I’ve done in the past,” admits Ranger.

“But those people who don’t like me don’t know me.

“They might see things and read things about me and think this guy is a nutter but that’s not the truth.

“I’ll admit I’m not the best role model in the world but people like me.

“I’m a likeable guy and I have a good relationship with everyone here.”

And that includes the Shrimpers first team squad, who welcomed Ranger back to the club following his release from prison.

“We all get on well and I know the lads are all backing me, which I’m incredibly grateful for,” said the former Premier League frontman.

“I’m sure they all spoke about whether or not to give me another chance but they have done and I really do appreciate that.

“Everyone believes in me and I have to repay them now, I know that.

“I want to play well, I want to get goals and I want promotion too.

“I believe we have the right players here to do that and we have the right people guiding us too.”

But for Ranger to fully play a part, he must continue to train hard in a bid to regain full fitness.

“My fitness isn’t 100 per cent but it’s getting there and I’m working hard on it,” said the striker.

“I’ve got to keep on doing the extra sessions with the fitness guys here, who have been great.

“They’re doing everything right because they don’t want me to break down.

“I haven’t had a pre-season for ages now but I’m doing everything possible to get as strong and as fit as possible.”

However, it is not just his fitness that Ranger is determined to improve.

“I have to stay on top of everything now and that includes my time-keeping, which hasn’t always been the best,” said Ranger.

“Simon Cox is in charge of the players’ fines this year and he’s on at me about it all the time.

“The gaffer is on at me and so is the chairman so I know I have to improve where that’s concerned and I have to get my sleep pattern right because I can’t be letting these people down after everything they’ve done for me.”

Ranger was also welcomed back to the club in January after serving a four week suspension for what was described as a serious breach of discipline.

But the striker insists he is now feeling better than ever before.

“I’ve been through the wars and I’ve had many ups and downs in my career but I feel at my strongest now,” said Ranger.

“I know a lot of people have tried to write me off and they will probably continue to do so but this is the best I’ve ever felt.

“I surprised myself with how good I felt when I came on against Rochdale but I have to keep putting the work in to make sure I stay in good shape.”

Ranger’s next opportunity to impress could come at Charlton Athletic this weekend and the striker is forever thinking about hitting the back of the net.

“I’ve been thinking about that first goal for so long now it’s going to be very special when it comes,” said the forward.

“It’s up to the gaffer how and when I’m used but obviously I would love to stay involved. I’m determined to do well and know actions speak louder than words.”

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