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Sky Bet Championship: New Blackpool signing Nile Ranger admits he needs to change his ways

Image: Nile Ranger: Is aware of the task to turn his life around

Controversial striker Nile Ranger accepts his move to Blackpool has provided him with his last chance to achieve a successful career.

A spate of off-field problems have plagued the 23-year-old's spells at Newcastle and Swindon, but Blackpool have taken a gamble and offered Ranger a lifeline.

Ranger, who could be in-line to make his debut for the Seasiders against Brentford on Tuesday night, knows he has to keep on the straight and narrow this time.

"This isn't a good chance for me – it's my last chance, so I have to grab it with both hands," Ranger told the Blackpool Gazette.

"This is my actual last chance – I've had more lives than a cat.

"I was young and I made mistakes but you learn.

"Now it's time to grow up. I need to knuckle down and get my head screwed on.

"All the off-field behaviour has finished now, it's over."

Ranger has been training with Leeds over the summer to maintain his fitness, before taking a call from Blackpool boss Jose Riga.

"The manager just told me to come here. It's not about the money – it's about giving me a chance, showing people what you can do and being positive," Ranger added.

"It's been a while since I've been at this level, but I know I can play in the Championship because I was here with Newcastle.

"I'm 23 now, so I've got quite a lot of experience and I know I can handle it."

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