Glenn Middleton and Graeme Murty certainly have one of the most positive relationships at the club these days.
The Rangers winger has thanked the former manager for reviving his career when he plucked him from Norwich City last January.
Middleton was part of Murty’s big mid-season overhaul last year, but was signed as one for the future. Ultimately, things never worked out for Murty, who’s now back coaching the kids in the youth squad.
It did, however, most certainly work out for Middleton, who’s now starring under Steven Gerrard at Ibrox. In a wide-ranging series of comments, Middleton said in the Scottish Sun how thankful he is to the Rangers under-20 coach.
“I can never thank Graeme Murty enough.
“He sort of saved me. I was going through a tough time, and I will always be grateful to him.
“All the coaches in the academy are always giving me advice, and I take it on board because I haven’t done a lot yet. I need to keep improving, and they will always be giving me pointers.”
Much to thank Murty for
Middleton had previously been at Norwich City, where he broke through as a youngster. Joining in 2012, he was given the number 43 jersey for the 2016-17 season after graduating through the academy.
Unfortunately, however, the closest he came to a first-team appearance was being benched against Southampton in an FA Cup tie back January 2017.
One year later, Murty made his move and signed him up for the club’s academy. Signing a new contract in October, Middleton hasn’t looked back having made 17 appearances and notching five first-team goals already this season.
It may be Steven Gerrard who the youngster is thriving under. In truth, however, the Scotland Under-19 starlet was given the opportunity to develop at Ibrox by Murty alone. It was a shrewd signing that went unnoticed at the time, but it’s meant plenty to the left-winger.
With Jamie Murphy and Ryan Kent sidelined, Middleton has been given the role of first-choice left-winger. It’ll be interesting to see how long he keeps that spot for. One thing’s for sure – it beats playing for Norwich City’s under-18s.
