Jonatan Johansson returns to Rangers in coaching role – Chris Jack
Former Rangers striker Jonatan Johansson has returned to Ibrox in an academy coaching role, according to The Herald’s Chris Jack.
It’s understood Johansson took an under-16 training session on Saturday (28 January) and has now taken up a position in the Gers’ academy which has been overseen by Craig Mulholland (The Herald, 31 January).
The 47-year-old former Finland international has previously spent time at Ibrox during Pedro Caixinha’s rein as the Gers’ boss in the 2017/18 season.
Development
It’s good to see the club add to their academy coaching structure and a former Rangers striker will be able to provide the Light Blues’ younger players with plenty of guidance as they look to make an impression for the club in the future.
Rangers’ academy is vast and well-stocked. There have been plenty of success stories in recent years, with Alex Lowry, Robbie Ure, Leon King and Zak Lovelace all making first-team appearances. The importance of having a thriving academy cannot be understated.
It can prove to be a vital source of income for the club and it’s refreshing to see further additions and developments made to the youth set-up.
With Michael Beale now in charge at Ibrox younger players will be given more of an opportunity to shine. The former QPR boss has been working in and around academies for much of his career and he knows better than anyone the success which can be found in giving prospects a chance.
In other Rangers news, one Bears star has taken to social media to mock criticism from a Sky Sports pundit