Outgoing former Academy staffer Mark Spalding has sent an emotional message to supporters as Finnish international Jonatan Johansson rejoins the club.
The Gers have appointed ex-Morton and TPS Turku boss Johansson in a new Academy role with the former Rangers striker rejoining the backroom of the club after a coaching stint at Ibrox in 2017.
According to the Herald, Johansson has already taken the club’s U16s over the weekend and will now take on a permanent role within the staff of Academy director Craig Mullholland.
Whilst there has been no official suggestion the appointment is related, Jonatan Johansson rejoins Rangers at the same time that former Academy staffer Mark Spalding has announced his departure from Ibrox.
Jonatan Johansson rejoins Rangers as Mark Spalding departs
Mark Spalding is the former Head of Intermediate Academy at Ibrox and it’s interesting to consider the former Finnish international has come into the club moments after the coach announced his departure.
“Three years flown in!” Tweeted Mark Spalding.
“Loved being at Rangers FC working with brilliant people both on and off the field! Good luck and a thank you to everyone who I’ve came in contact with during my time at the club – once a Ger always a Ger.”
The appointment of Jonatan Johansson at Rangers means the Finnish forward is back in the coaching staff at the club after a stint with Pedro Caixinha.
The Finnish striker was appointed to the backroom team of the failed Portuguese manager in the 2017/18 season, with the forward famously unearthing Alfredo Morelos at HJK Helsinki.
Also turning out for Rangers during his playing career, the ex-Charlton, Malmo, Hibs, and St Johnstone striker joined the Ibrox club from FC Flora in 1997 and impressed in three years in Glasgow.
Playing 71 games in total, the striker netted 25 goals and knows all too well the expectations of life at Ibrox.
Meanwhile, here’s why Rangers’ attempts at signing Morgan Whittaker failed.