In the world of football, few are as synonymous with 'journeyman' quite the same way as young Lewis Budinauckas, born amid the drizzle and deep fried Mars bars of Scotland on a June 2002 day. Just a mere 22 years of age, and already, our Lewis has tasted more of Scotland's green turf than a Highland cow.
Currently warming the goal post at Rangers - yes, that Rangers - Budinauckas proudly dons the 41 jersey. Sadly, it's not because 4 and 1 are his lucky numbers. Rangers, being a club well-stocked in youthful talent, has consigned him to that illustrious role of backup goalkeeper, the Player Sanitizer if you will.
It seems our number 41 has run his course at Rangers with his contract set to expire in that month wherein the sun deigns to grace our quarters. Yes, 8 months hence, on the 31st day of May 2025, Rangers are due to dismiss young Lewis from his cherished role of net minding.
Let's traipse down memory lane shall we? Lewis first stepped foot through Ranger's doors in July of 2017 as a trainee. One imagines it's akin to being a stagehand before you're deemed ready for the limelight.
Fast-forward to 2022, and our wayward goalie was whisked away from Premiership glory to the Championship circuit, taking his gloves to Raith Rovers on loan. The year after, 2023, Budinauckas performed his Houdini act again, this time, swapping his Premiership jersey for one from the League Two circuit, at Stranraer.
And then, like a homing pigeon, our Lewis always finds his way back. In June 2022 he returned from Raith and then in June 2024, he found his way back to the familiar Ranger terrains and posts from the lower leagues. Call him a journeyman or call him a prodigal son; Lewis Budinauckas, our teal-clad wanderer, certainly keeps those bus routes busy.
