Rangers have taken the ambitious decision to pull their development squad out of the SPFL Reserve League for next season.
The Ibrox club will instead undertake a games programme which will see the young bears take on sides across Europe.
The club did something similar in 2017/18, with youngsters facing the likes of Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester City and Feyenoord.
After re-joining the Reserve League (formerly the U20 league) last season, the club has decided to pull out once again.
The move comes amidst much debate over the introduction of a Rangers colt team to the lower leagues in Scotland.
“During my time at the highest level of Academy football in England and now in Scotland, I have maintained that it is critical that we expose our young players to matches against men as early as possible,” explains Technical Director Mark Allen, as quoted by Rangers.co.uk.
Rangers left “frustrated” by SPFL
“We are frustrated that the decision-making process in Scotland has prevented us from introducing a ‘B’ team proposal.
“We are now looking forward to the new season with excitement as we have managed to create a games programme which combines competitive men’s football, with some great European challenges which our players will thrive in.”
This insinuates those Rangers youngsters closest to the first team will undertake a range of matches against senior teams across Europe.
This, Rangers clearly feel, is the best way to prepare the club’s young talent for first-team football. It’s a bold, progressive and positive move by the club.
The move also means Rangers won’t be able to defend the trophy that they won last campaign.
The Rangers reserves won the SPFL Reserve League on the last day of the season following a win over Falkirk.
