Two prominent figures departing as Rangers set for backroom reshuffle
Rangers are embarking on an overhaul of their backroom staff, with scouting coordinator Billy McLaren and loan manager Billy Kirkwood set to depart, while John Brown will also see his role change, according to The Sun.
The Scottish Sun shared via their website on 29 September that McLaren and Kirkwood will make way as part of a major reshuffle, while Brown’s new role will include further ambassadorial duties at Ibrox.
This news comes following a report [Daily Record, 9 September] that the Glasgow side are set for a complete overhaul of their scouting department, moving towards a data-focused recruitment style led by Michael Beale and chief scout John Park.
Big changes are afoot
With Beale and Park driving the new recruitment process at Ibrox, there are big changes afoot in the way Rangers carry out their scouting. The move towards a data-led process will see Gers step into a more modern style seen at the likes of Brentford and Brighton in England.
Beale has previously put emphasis on watching players live before deciding whether to sign them himself, but the focus on analytical data will see that style change, with less unconscious bias associated with the numbers.
The Daily Record report shared that the current group of seven scouts at Ibrox would be chopped down to just three as part of the changes, so there could yet be more departures to follow McLaren and Kirkwood out the door.
The hope at Rangers will be that the new style can help them to find hidden gems to improve their first team, and potentially sell for profit in the future, as has been seen with young players being sold on for huge profits of late.
In other Rangers news, an unbeaten defender has proven Rangers bosses right after a transfer move was turned down.