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Academy star Zander Hutton is extremely grateful to former Light Blues defender Steven Smith for the advice and guidance he has given him and he hopes to emulate his journey to the first-team.
Smith, who made top team appearances under Alex McLeish, Paul Le Guen, Walter Smith and Ally McCoist during his second spell at the club, always considered it a great honour and privilege to wear the famous jersey and he is delighted to pass on his knowledge to the Academy players.
Hutton, a highly-rated right-back, spent around two years with Smith’s 19s group and he was thrilled to learn important lessons from a man that knows exactly what it takes to make it at Rangers.
The 18-year-old lifelong supporter impressed in this season’s run to the SPFL Trust Trophy quarter final and works tirelessly on his game at the training ground every day.
Zander was also a key player as Smith’s side beat Aberdeen in the Scottish Youth Cup Final last season and he featured in December’s Glasgow Cup Final victory over Celtic.
In a wide-ranging interview as he showed his support for The Rangers Youth Development Company – who have donated more than £12 million to the Academy since 2002 – the young Scot discusses his journey with the club so far and hopes for the future.
He said: “A lot of ex-players are coaching at the club – guys like Steven Smith, Kevin Thomson and Lewis Macleod – and I think that’s a good thing.
“Stevie has helped me a lot. He was also a full-back and made it to the first-team so he gave me so much information and advice that has really helped my game.
“He was my coach for about two years and I really enjoyed working with him.
“Stevie understand what it takes to play for Rangers. Every piece of information he passes on is real and important knowledge.
“There are also other coaches here who haven’t played for Rangers but have still gone very far in the game and all the staff are very good with us.
“I love coming in every day, working hard and learning as much as I can.
“My move to Rangers first came about when Falkirk’s Academy shut down and I was left without a club.
“We used to train at Stirling University, they had a good wee set up and I was really enjoying it then it all came to an end.
“I had a number of other clubs interested in me but as soon as the Rangers interest came up there was only one place I wanted to go.
“I’ve always been a Rangers fan so it was great to get the move. I came in on trial and took part in a few training sessions and I did all I could to try and impress.
“I was just about to start high school at that time then I got the call to say Rangers wanted me and I was over the moon.
“I couldn’t wait to get in here.
“I remember my dad taking my in through the doors at youth reception and you see the big Rangers badge my eyes were opened.
“When you are young a move here is something you dream of and it was extra special as I was a Rangers fan.
“My first coach here was Greg Statt and he taught me so much then I had Todd Lumsden but I’ve worked with so many good coaches – too many to name but every single one has helped me develop and I am very grateful for their advice.
“I have everything I need to develop under one roof at the training ground.
“When I was younger I started in midfield then moved to right wing but I have dropped to right full back and I like that position.
“You can defend and attack and I enjoy that.
“I also really enjoyed the SPFL Trust Trophy run this season. That was a very good experience for all the players.
“We managed to get good results in that competition and reach the quarter final and it’s great to play against experienced teams.
“We’ve beaten Boness, Fraserburgh, Clyde and Stenhousemuir and reached the quarter final against Queen’s Park.
“You always want to try and go as far as you can in any competition and playing in that has been great for our development.
“We were the only B Team left in the competition so that is a good achievement.
“I’ve played against teams from different levels and had so many good experiences, it has been amazing.
“We have a good group of players here.
“Beating Stenhousemuir 4-1 in the last 16 was a positive result, it was a great night and it was probably one of my best games of the season.
“A few first-team players played in that game – Ianis Hagi and Danilo – and it was also a good experience to play with them.
“I’ve played a lot of football for the 18s and the B Team and I have really enjoyed it all.
“I just try to take it all in and learn as much as I can from the experiences.
“The Scottish Youth Cup Final win last season was a great night, the year before we had lost to Celtic in a high scoring game so it was good to get the win against Aberdeen at Hampden.
“I was down after losing to Celtic because I didn’t perform at the level I know I can.
“That really annoyed me to be honest but we had the chance to make up for it in last season’s final.
“I had to make it right and we managed to win it. It was a great memory. Beating Celtic in the Glasgow Cup Final was also a fantastic experience. We had to dig deep and be resilient but we won 3-2 and it was good to help the club win the tournament.
“I am trying to take my game to a higher level in every way possible.
“Any chance you get in football you want to try and take it to the best of your ability because sometimes those chances don’t come back around.
“When you get the chance to play in bounce games or train with the first-team squad you have to show up well and set a good example. You always try to catch the manager’s eye.
“I’ve trained with the first-team a few times now and I have enjoyed every session.
“The lads have all been great with me but when you go round the focus just comes to you.
“I relax and try to enjoy it and make an impression.
“You can feel the step up in level and it’s much faster but you get used to it.
“You have to focus and concentrate and try to catch the manager’s eye.
“I love it when I am round there.
“Ross McCausland moving round to the first-team last season was brilliant and is an inspiration for us all.
“He is a great lad so I am so happy he is there. He has been a Rangers fan all his life too so he knows what it means to play for this club.
“He took his opportunity and his career has gone up and up and up.
“He was given a chance when Zak Lovelace got injured against St Mirren and made the most of it.
“That’s what I want to do too. Keep on improving every day and make it to the first-team.
“Long-term my ultimate goal is to get round to the first-team squad and play. That’s what you want to be doing.
“I am learning all the time and Tav and Dujon Sterling give me good advice when I am training with them.
“Tav has been here for many years and plays in the same position. He has scored an amazing amount of goals and made so many assists and that’s something I really want to add to my game.
“What he has done in nearly 10 years here is incredible.
“He and Dujon always help me when I am round with the first-team.
“They pass on information and give me advice and I just try to learn as much as I possibly can.
“I feel my performances have been good this season and I am on a good development path.
“Like all Academy players, we develop with help from RYDC and they’ve donated so much money to the youth department.
“It really is excellent the money they donate to the Academy and we are all very thankful for the support.
“It’s not cheap to run an Academy so the assistance from RYDC is always welcome.”
Zander’s development is assisted by annual RYDC donations to the Rangers Academy and more than £12 million has already been provided.
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