The pair played with Rangers and are now at Premier League level with Newcastle United
A pair of former Rangers talents have signed professional contracts at Newcastle United
The Premier League side brought Scottish youth international Oliver Goodbrand in from Ibrox last season and striker Alfie Hutchison made the same move in summer 2025. Alongside another Newcastle prospect, Michael Mills, the duo have now been rewarded with professional deals. Goodbrand has already had captaincy duties in the youth ranks since leaving Rangers and Hutchison has played at U21s level.
Goodbrand said: "Wearing the armband and captaining the U17s is a big privilege to have. There's a lot of boys fighting for that spot so I need to continue working hard and making sure I give myself the best possible chance. I'm really pleased to sign my first professional contract.
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“I've worked really hard for it. I came here over six months ago so I'm buzzing to get it signed. It's a proud moment. I always had a good feeling about the club when I arrived and met the staff. They were all great so it made the decision a lot easier.
“When I was at Rangers, I was used to living away from my family but it's different to move to a new country. At first, it took me a while to get used to but I've totally settled in and I'm loving it. My focus is getting back fit and playing for the U18s. Once I do that, it's about staying consistent and performing well, continuing to give my all in training and matches."
Hutchison commented: "Signing my first pro contract is a big accomplishment and something I've been working towards ever since I started playing football. I'm over the moon. This club is really promising and the standards are really high. There's a lot of good coaches and staff, even the cooks and cleaners. It's in great shape and makes me want to stay here for as long as I can.
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"I was very pleased to make my U21s debut. You want to progress through the age groups as quickly as possible so the fact I've done that in six months is a good step. I want to try and make more appearances and get in the squad more often."
A Newcastle statement states: “Teenage trio Michael Mills, Oliver Goodbrand and Alfie Hutchison have all signed their first professional contracts with Newcastle United. Goodbrand is a defender who joined Newcastle’s youth system last season from Rangers and has captained Scotland at under-17 level.
“The left-back, currently recovering from a back injury, is hopeful of representing his country at this summer's European Under-17 Championship finals in Estonia. Hutchison, who also joined the Magpies' youth set-up from Rangers last summer, is a striker who made his Under-21s debut in last month's Premier League 2 clash against Middlesbrough. The 17-year-old is aiming to continue his rise through the club's youth ranks and believes he is in the best environment towards doing so.”
Academy Director Steve Harper added: “Michael, Oliver and Alfie have all shown real commitment to their development since arriving at the Academy, and this is an important milestone for each of them. They’ve each come to us from different environments, but all three have embraced the standards we set, on and off the pitch, and their attitude has been first class. Signing a first professional contract is only the start, of course, but they’ve earned this opportunity through the hard work they have shown since arriving with us. We’re looking forward to supporting them as they continue to progress through our pathway.”
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