Rangers implement five changes behind the scenes as Nils Koppen makes decision on key role

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In 2024, Rangers went from what was a promising start to the year to ending with disruption and uncertainty across the board.

Philippe Clement’s position as manager is under serious threat and the playing squad has areas of weakness and gaps all over it.

This aspect of Rangers is what matters most to the fans, but off the pitch, things haven’t been much better either.

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Summer of discontent as Rangers lose direction

Zeb Jacobs resigned as academy director, James Bisgrove left his post as CEO, Creag Robertson followed him out the door too to leave the head of football operations post vacant, with John Bennett also cutting short his tenure as chairman.

The club was rudderless and in desperate need of leadership with four key positions all lying empty.

As 2024 was drawing to a close, Fraser Thornton was appointed as chairman and Patrick Stewart as CEO, two well-respected and well-connected individuals from the worlds of business and football.

They have been conspicuous by their absence after the embarrassing defeat to Queen’s Park though – something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the fans.

Changes are afoot though with the academy undergoing a much-needed revamp behind the scenes.

Clement has been a key player in sending players like Robbie Fraser and Cole McKinnon out on loan to get more game time with the B team being officially disbanded.

What this means is that more emphasis will be placed on the Under-18 team with the hope that the SFA raises this age group to Under-19 – making the step to senior football just a little bit closer.

What changes have been made to the Rangers academy set-up?

The changes see the following personnel in new roles:

Led by Nils Koppen as the technical director – there will be no academy director – the Under-18s will see Stevie Smith continue in charge who will be deputised by Kevin Thomson in a welcome return to the club.

The Under-16s, the last age group of the youth development phase, will now have David McCallum as their lead who had previous ran the B team and filled in as interim academy director. 

The biggest change sees Malky Thomson become loans manager, but he will also supervise a training group for players who are out on loan at clubs who maybe only train twice a week.

They will come back to Auchenhowie for extra sessions and to interact with the senior squad when required.

Something needed to be done about the academy and pathway for players making it through the youth ranks and this is a positive step – at least, there appears to be a plan in place.