Kansas City defender Richard Gough is expected to return to Glasgow Rangers at the conclusion of the Wizards’ 1997 season, MLS deputy commissioner Sunil Gulati announced today. The transfer to Rangers is subject to approval by the management committee of the Scottish Football Authority, as Gough is re-entering the league within 12 months of his departure. “We have reached an agreement in principal with Rangers for Richard to return to Scotland at the end of the season,” said Gulati. “Richard has been a great addition to the Wizards’ defense this season. He brought with him a professionalism that was instilled in Kansas City’s young defenders, which really helped bring the Wizards together as a team.” Gough, a veteran of 18 seasons of British soccer, remains intent on leading Kansas City to MLS Cup ’97. The Wizards have clinched the 1997 Western Conference Season Championship with two games remaining in the regular season before opening the playoffs Saturday, October 4, against the Colorado Rapids at Arrowhead Stadium. “I came to the United States for a new challenge, and to help the Wizards win the league championship,” said Gough, who has played 16 of the Wizards’ 30 games this season. “I will remain focused on that goal for the duration of my time here. I owe that much to (Head Coach Ron) Newman, my teammates, and the Kansas City fans.” “I have been very impressed with Major League Soccer, who have treated myself and my family with the utmost respect,” continued the former captain who led Rangers to nine league titles in 10 seasons. “The offer for my return to Ibrox (Rangers’ home field) was just too great an opportunity to bypass.”