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Academy coach Malky Thomson was immensely proud to lead the Rangers 17s and 19s to CAS Elite League glory this season, and he has praised the players, coaching and support staff for their incredible efforts throughout such a successful campaign.
Malky began 2025/26 with the 17s group, and he stepped up to the 19s when Steven Smith joined Danny Rohl’s first-team staff permanently at the start of the year.
He has worked with a number of talented youth players like Kyle Glasgow, Ashton Scally, Zeb Lawson, Luca Rankin, Rydnn McGuire, Aiden McCallion and Conor Owen and says it is a privilege to help develop such promising footballers as they look to make their way in the game.
Thomson, an old-school coach, has enjoyed a variety of roles during his more than 20-year association with the Light Blues, and it was former Rangers manager Alex McLeish who first brought him to the club in 2003.
He has a wealth of experience to pass on, having also guided the Rangers women’s team to their first-ever SWPL league title in season 2021/22, the Sky Sports Cup and participation in their inaugural Champions League campaign.
Speaking as he showed his support for The Rangers Youth Development Company, who donated another £300,000 to the Academy in February, making it more than £12.5 million provided since 2002, Malky reflected on a fine campaign for the Rangers youth teams.
He said, “We win as a team and lose as a team at Rangers, and so many people have played a big part in our success.
“Every single one deserves credit, as does RYDC for donating so much money to the Academy.
“It’s well over £12.5 million now, and we are all grateful for that level of support.
“This season has been really good, and we have all enjoyed it. We have been really successful, and it is an achievement to win CAS Elite League trophies with the 17s and the 19s.
“There are a lot of good players here, and it has been really encouraging to see a lot of them step up to the 19s and stay there.
“A number of players have also pledged their long-term futures to Rangers despite interest from big clubs in England, and the fact they have chosen to stay here speaks volumes for the environment we have created.
“It’s massive for Rangers and it wouldn’t have been done without the support from RYDC. We appreciate everything that’s done for us.
“There are a lot of big personalities in the 17s and 19s squads, and you have to manage that.
“Zeb Lawson, who scored two outstanding goals to clinch the title last week, is one of them. He can produce moments of magic, but like all wingers, he can be frustrating.
“You can see the ability he’s got, so credit to him and the rest of the boys that played their part in a successful campaign.
“The full squad has been utilised, and it has been difficult at times, but we are all very proud to have secured league titles with the 19s last week and the 17s a few weeks ago.
“You have to dig in and show character, and we did that in the last game at St Mirren. We were 1-0 down and knew we had to win to be champions, and Zeb stepped up with two stunning goals.
“We’re all in this to help develop players and make sure they can go on to have good careers.
“We play in a certain fashion and a certain style, but sometimes you need to deal with just rolling your sleeves up and playing percentages.
“You have to manage the games and emotions and find a way to win, and we did that against St Mirren.
“A lot of players have progressed from the 17s to the 19s, and that was the plan at the start of the season.
“We had a great pre-season with the 17s, and we spent a good 10 days playing a tournament in Northern Ireland, and that set us up for the campaign.
“We instilled good habits into the players, and by Christmas time, a number were ready to step up and play with the 19s.
“I’m delighted they have done that, and credit should go to all the youth coaches and staff we have here.
“We’ve got good people like Conor Brennan, Craig McPherson, Greg Statt, James Wood and Tara Harvey, and it’s a great team.
“There’s a good blend of staff here who have all contributed to Academy success.
“Next season, we will also play in the UEFA Youth League, and that is a great stage for the boys to play on.
“They need to go and play against the best in Europe, which will be great for their development.
“It was also great to see Aiden McCallion and Ashton Scally making their first-team debuts against Falkirk on the last day of the season.
“Zeb Lawson was also given a run-out, and it’s always great to see an Academy player stepping up to the senior side.
“Findlay Curtis and Liam Kelly – both Academy graduates – have also been called into the Scotland World Cup squad, and that will be a great experience for them.
“Fellow graduates Billy Gilmour and Nathan Patterson have also been included, and once again their careers have been shaped with RYDC support.”
Youth development at Rangers is assisted by annual RYDC donations to the Academy and more than £12.5 million has already been provided.
Profit from RYDC’s online store and products like Rangers Lotto, Stadium Bricks and The Union Jackpot draw all go to the Academy, while profit from Museum Lotto is donated to the club for the upkeep and maintenance of the Rangers Museum.
CLICK HERE to play Rangers Lotto (Over 18s only)
CLICK HERE to play The Union Jackpot (Over 18s only)
CLICK HERE to play Museum Lotto (Over 18s only)
CLICK HERE to buy Rangers Bricks
CLICK HERE to browse RYDC’s range of products
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