Rangers and Scotland stars’ agent suspended by English FA over 1,800 bets charge

A FOOTBALL agent who has represented four former Rangers stars and Scotland international Kenny McLean has been suspended.

Alan Houldsworth copped a three-month ban from football work and a £2500 fine from the English FA last week.

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The players’ rep was hit by a misconduct charge from the governing body in England in June – alleging he had placed more than 1,800 bets on games over a six year period.

Now the FA have concluded their investigation and banned the 35-year-old from all football activity until mid-December.

Houldsworth worked with Andy Halliday and Jason Holt when they were at Rangers, as well as Ryan Jack.

He’s also represented Dom Thomas, Jamie Walker and Norwich midfielder Kenny McLean in contract talks and even spoke out about his client’s transfer links to Gers earlier this year.

Rumours over McLean’s future had linked him with a move back to Scotland.

But Houldsworth responded to the social media speculation with a series of laughing face emojis in response to one story which claimed wages were said to be a stumbling block.

Houldsworth works with Trueno Sports agency who also count Jason Cummings, Scott Wright and Danny Armstrong among their clients.

An FA document, published online, detailed the punishment.

It read: “REASON: Breach of FA Rule E8 – He is charged with Misconduct under FA Rule E1(b) in respect of 1,803 bets placed on football matches between 18 March 2018 to 25 March 2024.

“It is alleged that each bet is a separate breach of FA Rule E8 (as applicable).

“RESULT: Three month suspension from All Football and Football Related Activity. £2500 fine.”

The ban began on September 11 and stretches until December 10.

Meanwhile Ryan Jack’s new club has yet to announce his arrival – despite him PLAYING for the team at the weekend.

Esenler Erokspor named the midfielder on their bench for the game against Igdir FK.

But rather than going by the name he’s carried throughout his time in Scotland with Rangers, Aberdeen and the national team, the Turkish side dubbed him Ryan JAMES – and used his middle name rather than surname on their pre-match announcements.

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He was yellow carded during the game – but it’s not known which name the referee noted down in his book.

In the end, it didn’t really matter and the images of him training with his new side which emerged late last week appear to confirm he is on the books at the second-tier side after leaving Rangers at the end of his contract last season.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page