Former Rangers defender Steven Smith has returned to Ibrox as an assistant coach for the Under-19 squad following a comprehensive restructure of the academy setup.
The former left-back will work alongside head coach Malky Thomson to accelerate youth development. The move follows a broader decision to scrap the Rangers B team in early 2025 to prioritise early competitive exposure for academy prospects.
Focus Shifts To Youth League
Smith brings significant institutional knowledge to the role, having coached within the youth system from 2021 until 2025. He also previously took interim charge of the first team for a 2-2 draw against Dundee United following the departure of Russell Martin.
His appointment provides essential stability as the squad prepares for a UEFA Youth League second-round tie against Dynamo Kyiv in the Domestic Path. Rangers travel for the first leg on Wednesday, October 28, before returning to Glasgow on November 4.
This academy realignment mirrors wider structural shifts at Ibrox, implemented after the board absorbed senior transfer duties ahead of the January window.
Thomson and Smith will oversee a highly rated prospect pool featuring Kyle Glasgow, Ryddn McGuire, Ashton Scally, and Luca Rankin. Glasgow recently featured on the senior European bench against Jablonec, while McGuire and Scally are already considered part of the wider first-team picture under Derek McInnes.
Senior attention now turns to domestic duties as Rangers look to exploit a disrupted Celtic preparation ahead of their next fixture.
