Head of Academy, Craig Mulholland, has claimed that the results of an audit show Rangers to have a better-rated youth system than Celtic and many European clubs, as quoted by Rangers.co.uk.
The Gers enjoyed a silverware-laden 2019 at youth level with the Alkass Cup, the Scottish Youth Cup and the SPFL Reserve League title amongst the trophies collected.
There’s been some criticism surrounding a perceived lack of progression to the senior squad, but the likes of Nathan Patterson, Kai Kennedy and Josh McPake have all pushed on to make first-team appearances this season.
Mulholland says there’s still a way to go to become one of the top 15 academies in Europe, but believes they’re certainly on the right track.
“We were independently audited by world-renowned auditors Double Pass who have worked with the EPL, MLS, Bundesliga, etc. and achieved a score of 88% which was the highest in the country and significantly above the European average where the percentage is in the mid 60’s,” said Mulholland, as quoted by Rangers.co.uk.
“This was a fantastic achievement, which we wouldn’t have been close to achieving 5 years ago, but every day we push on and we look to get better again.”
Verdict
The audit scores and these words from Mulholland are very encouraging for the fans who believe in the importance of the Academy.
Results on the pitch show the Gers to be ahead of Celtic and all other clubs in Scotland across most age groups, but it’s good to see that all aspects of the system are up to scratch.
With the first team making mass signings in recent times in an attempt to mount a charge for silverware, it’s hard to consistently make room in matchday squads for inexperienced homegrown players.
However, with the likes of Kennedy excelling in the Challenge Cup and the UEFA Youth League this season, it may not be long before the manager’s hand is forced.
