Rangers are heading in a new direction in terms of player recruitment with Philippe Clement repeating what he has done at previous clubs.
The manager has turned to the academy in recent weeks with a shortage of senior players in his squad for one reason or another as he starts to build for the future.
Players like Nathan Patterson are the gold standard for the Auchenhowie production line, however, the latest Rangers Youth Development Company donation shows that not every youngster has to make the club millions.
Rangers given cash bonus for academy player development
Joining the presentation with Director of Operations Colin Stewart were Mason Munn, Ross McCausland and Liam Kelly, three players at different stages of their Rangers career and who have all spent their formative years coming through the youth ranks.
With a cheque of £325,000, the RYDC took their total tally to £12m over the years with Nils Koppen hugely appreciative of the work that goes on behind the scenes:
“As ever, we are extremely grateful to The Rangers Youth Development Company for their support,” the technical director told the club’s media team.
“They have provided over £12million to the academy to date and their continued annual funding contributes greatly to the day-to-day running at the training ground.
“We’ve seen a number of players featuring in the first-team recently and their development is assisted by RYDC’s donations.
“Thanks to everyone at RYDC for their unrelenting hard work and, of course, the Rangers supporters for their incredible backing.
“It is greatly appreciated by everyone at the club.”
What youth players can Clement rely on?
Clement has led a new approach at Rangers with the senior B team players on the fringes of the first team being sent out on loan in the January transfer window.
Of those who left, the Gers boss seems to be a fan of Robbie Fraser, but it would be a surprise to see any of the others return to make any sort of meaningful impact.
Bailey Rice has been promoted due to Kieran Dowell’s departure and he hasn’t looked out of place at Ibrox or Old Trafford.
The same applies for Findlay Curtis, who will now be looking for more minutes after Zak Lovelace returned to Millwall.
The players that come out the academy don’t always have to be like Patterson, but if they aren’t given a chance, nobody will ever really know if they have the potential to be.
