Thommo’s Thrilled To Be Back – Rangers Youth Development Company

Kevin Thomson built a successful playing career on a tremendous work ethic, humility, desire to be the best he could be and an unwavering determination to give 100% at all times.

It’s no surprise to learn he has exactly the same attitude when it comes to his coaching career.

Thommo, a supremely talented midfielder who was brought to Rangers by legendary manager Walter Smith in January 2007, has a genuine passion for football and he was always extremely proud to wear the Light Blue jersey.

He won two League Titles, two League Cups, the Scottish Cup and featured prominently in the club’s journey to the 2008 UEFA Cup Final and now he is thrilled to be back at the Rangers Academy, working alongside Steven Smith with the under-19s group.

It’s Kevin second spell at the Academy and he was delighted to return recently after a successful spell as Kelty Hearts manager – where he guided the Fife club to the Scottish League Two title in 2021/22 – and years building his own thriving youth academy.

Some former players are happy to coast once they hang up their boots, that cannot be said of the former Scotland international who routinely grafts just as hard now as he did when he was starring for Hibs, Rangers and Middlesbrough.

Thomson was part of a golden generation of youth players who progressed from the Hibs academy – Scott Brown, Steven Whittaker, Garry O’Connor, Derek Riordan and Steven Fletcher among them – so he knows a thing or two about youth football.

He is also a huge supporter of the Rangers Youth Development Company and attended a benefit dinner with Ian Durrant last month to help RYDC’s fundraising efforts.

In a wide-ranging interview as he showed his backing for the organisation who have donated more than £12 million to the Academy since 2002, Kevin said: “I’m delighted to be back at Rangers.

“You know how much the club means to me and it was great to get the opportunity to return.

“Getting back to work on the pitch with Stevie Smith and Liam Ross and working with the players has been fantastic.

“It is brilliant to be back, everyone knows what Rangers means to me.

“Stevie heads up the 19s group and I’m an extra pair of hands.

“I try and help as much as I can and help set standards. I muck in and do as much as I possibly can.

“Former players like Stevie, Lewis Macleod and I have had experiences we can share with young kids aspiring to do the same.

“We have an insight into exactly what it is like to play for this great club.

“It’s not easy to play for Rangers. It’s unique and we know what it is like to go through good times and difficult times.

“There is pressure on you to win every game and that isn’t easy to cope with. The fact we have done it is a good tool to have to pass on to the next generation.

“It’s not about us anymore, it is about the young player and their opportunity and journey.

“We know what it is like to experience X, Y and Z so we can pass on that information.

“The fundamentals of any Academy should be to make the kids get better.

“I’ve had different journeys, I came through at Hibs, I run my own academy and I’ve worked at the Rangers Academy twice.

“Sometimes things don’t go your way and there are challenges to overcome but the one thing I will never lose is the passion and love I have for trying to make young players better.

“I am passionate about helping anyone who is willing to listen and strives to get better.

“I was lucky when I came through at Hibs as we had an old school environment.

“There was no training centre and there were no luxuries but the one thing I learned was discipline.

“There was no entitlement, there was a work ethic and a desire and drive to continue to get better every day.

“The group I came through with did well, played in the first team and got big moves.

“Then the bigger profile came as we had the opportunity to win trophies, play in bigger stadiums and play in Europe.

“My upbringing was quite a basic one but one in which we learned basic morals and had a desire, drive, determination and work ethic to succeed.

“Any of those traits in young players are good ones to have.

“We had Donald Park as our coach and he was the Messiah to all of us.

“I also actually worked with Malky Thomson when he was at Hibs as well.

“It was just a wee spell but I enjoyed it and Parky had a huge influence on all our careers.

“To get the Rangers move is what dreams are made of.

“You play with bigger players, you earn more money, you get more of an opportunity to play for the national team and you have the chance to win trophies and experience European nights.

“There is pressure at Rangers but I enjoyed it and grew into it.

“Winning becomes a habit then you want more and want to get your hands on trophies.

“You always want to play against the best players and that was the mentality I had as an individual.

“Working with Walter Smith was a privilege and his recruitment was incredible.

“He immediately signed players like Davie Weir and Ugo Ehiogu then I was his first money signing.

“We had players like Barry Ferguson, Steven Davis, Allan McGregor, Steven Whittaker, Lee McCulloch and Kris Boyd and the profile of the players was just at the right age.

“We continued to grow under Walter’s leadership and we had guys like Pedro Mendes and Kenny Miller coming in.

“Young players like Chris Burke, Stevie Smith and Charlie Adam were also there and we all strived to be the best we could be.

“I had the chance to sign for the team on the other side of the city who were winning at that time. The Rangers team I joined was more in transition but I never had any doubts that the return of Walter would produce a winning team.

“I wanted to be a part of that and experience the edge the club had.

“When I played against Rangers for Hibs I just felt that team would suit me better as an individual.

“Walter’s personality was also suited to my personality. The team was relentless and was made for me.

“The incredible part was how quickly he brought success.

“The European run in his first full season was a dream.

“We played in the Champions League against the German champions, the French champions and probably the best ever Barcelona team.

“To start with 7 points from 9 in the group phase was the catalyst for success.

“Then we dropped into the UEFA Cup and made it all the way to Manchester.

“We fell short in the league that season but the team had come a long way.

“I hurt my knee which was a low point and I probably left a season too early but looking back I had some great times and some great memories.

“I was proud to have been a small part of that successful team.

“I’ve always had a good relationship with the Rangers fans too.

“I was brought up with humility and to be respectful.

“I am working class and there have been far better players than me who have played for the club but I always represent it in the best manner I possibly can.

“I always did that to the highest standards and I will continue to do that.

“I will always do the best I can for the club and that is the minimum requirement.

“I have the same attitude at the Rangers Academy who are supported brilliantly by RYDC.

“I am always happy to support RYDC in any way I can.

“It really is incredible the job the RYDC team do. I have so much respect for Colin and everyone involved behind the scenes.

“Providing more than £12 million to the Academy is phenomenal really.

“I was happy to attend their recent Midfield Maestro Dinner, I wasn’t feeling the best but to add to the £12 million I was happy to take a wee bit of stick from Durranty!

“I’m an advocate for anyone doing well in football and RYDC help so many players progress.

“The way I played I like to think I was a good team-mate. I wasn’t a selfish player and I’m the same as a coach – I just want to see the kids do well.

“I always pass on the knowledge that you need to be at it every day. You need to be relentless in your work ethic. I want to see the young players in our building do well.

“I like seeing talent getting opportunities really and hopefully we have a few that can get there in the coming years.

“It’s tough for young players to break into the first-team but the provision is there in the building. The coaches are there and if players want it they need to go and grab it.

“We have seen players like Liam Kelly, Mason Munn, Ross McCausland and Leon King featuring and that’s great but you are always looking to the next one.

“There is loads of talent in the building, you also need that edge and personality to succeed at our club.

“You need to be a sponge and soak up as much knowledge as you can.

“Life can be tough and society is different to the one I was brought up in as there are loads of distractions for players now.

“Tablets, mobile phones, social media – there is a lot to deal with but I think it is down to the player as to what they really value.

“If you want a good career there are sacrifices you need to make.

“Your choices in life are on you and the facilities, coaching and provision is all there for young players.

“If I was coming through here I would embrace it.

“I think it is important for players to have an edge and accountability. If you are a player, a coach, a physio or a sports scientist – you have to have that edge and try to be the best.

“A competitive environment is what we want.”

Youth player development is assisted by annual RYDC donations to the Rangers Academy and more than £12 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.