Both sides finished in the top five last season and remain the best supported clubs in Sierra Leone despite the emergence of Kallon FC, Ports Authority, and Central Parad.

BBC: Sierra Leone league dispute over

Without the consolation of a third-place parachute slot in the Europa League, Rangers will now have to wait until next season for more European football, and Paterson said circumstances could deteriorate further without the emergence of new talent at the financially-stricken club.

BBC: Gers Euro ride ends with a whimper

The emergence of Andre Brown as a capable backup and effective goal-line runner last season also helped make Bradshaw expendable.

WSJ: Ahmad Bradshaw's Run With Giants Is Over