Rangers have made some questionable choices in the transfer market, and one standout from summer 2023 was opting to retain Ryan Jack while allowing Scott Arfield to depart at the end of his contract.
Though Arfield wasn’t the force he once was, he still managed to tally nine goals and three assists in under 2,000 minutes of play—proof that he still had something to offer. Now 36, Arfield has silenced critics once again by returning to Falkirk, the club where his career began, and playing a key role in their promotion to the Scottish Premiership after clinching the League 1 title last season.
Scoring nine goals in just 13 league appearances, Arfield’s impact was undeniable. His second debut for the club included a memorable hat-trick that had the Falkirk fans reviving a Rangers fan-favorite chant in his honour. After a 3-1 victory over Hamilton on the final day of the season, Arfield received a truly special surprise.
Whigfield serenades Scott Arfield in emotional post-match moment
“Saturday Night” by Whigfield became something of an unofficial anthem during Arfield’s five-year spell at Rangers. And in a heartwarming twist, the ’90s pop icon made a surprise appearance—virtually—following Falkirk’s promotion.
During a post-match interview at the Falkirk Stadium, Arfield was shown a video message from Whigfield herself, congratulating him and the team. Visibly stunned, Arfield was briefly lost for words: “Oh my god, you cannae be serious,” he said, before breaking into a smile. “That’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen. That is amazing,” he added, as the singer—looking remarkably unchanged since the song’s 1995 release—blew him a kiss.
Should Rangers have held on to Arfield?
In hindsight, it’s hard not to question the decision to let Arfield go. While he may not have been a full-time starter anymore, he certainly still had value as a squad player—someone who could influence matches off the bench and provide leadership in the dressing room.
Jack, on the other hand, has struggled with persistent injuries and rarely featured under both Michael Beale and Philippe Clement. Although they play different roles in midfield, the stark difference in availability makes the choice between them seem more obvious in retrospect.
Falkirk reportedly hold an option to extend Arfield’s contract for another season. If exercised, there’s a real chance he’ll hear tens of thousands singing “Saturday Night” in his honour once again—though even that might not top the personal tribute he received from Whigfield herself.
