Done deal: Rangers agree terms for new Zeb Jacobs appointment at Ibrox
Rangers have appointed Zeb Jacobs as the club’s new academy director, the club announced on their official website.
Jacobs has been at Ibrox since 2021, when he became Head of Academy coaching, at a time when current manager Michael Beale was first-team coach.
He has previously impressed in a similar role at Royal Antwerp, and replaces Craig Mulholland who left Rangers after 20 years.
“I am excited about this new chapter as the Academy Director of Rangers Football Club. The opportunity to develop the best young talent in Scotland is incredibly exciting, and I am ready to make a lasting impact,” Jacobs told the club’s official website.
“With the resources and elite infrastructure already in place, I firmly believe that our Academy has the potential to become world-leading in player development.
“My vision is crystal clear: ‘create the most exciting learning environment in sports’. By maximising the potential of every player and nurturing their skills, we aim to produce a new generation of players who can excel not only for Rangers in Scotland but also on the European stage.”
Continuation good for Rangers
Craig Mulholland had become part of the furniture at Rangers over the past two decades, holding various roles including football in the community manager.
In Jacobs, Beale has a man in place he clearly trusts to help blood the stars of tomorrow and prepare them for the transition to first-team football.
Morever, the Belgian has a proven track record, helping to produce players at Antwerp who would go on to win a League and Cup double last season.
Rangers are a squad in transition this summer, with Beale already signing the likes of Kieran Dowell, Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling and Sam Lammers.
But they will also have an eye on bringing through a fresh crop of home-grown talent, and help find the next Alex Lowry or Leon King who have made the grade.
Jacobs has a big job on his hands to keep that flow of players coming, but he is a man who clearly knows what he is doing.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox chiefs are ready to wrap up their next bit of transfer business now the international window is over.