Derek Ferguson warns Rangers could harm youngsters if Kevin Thelwell’s plan is adopted
Derek Ferguson has cautioned Rangers that they risk damaging the progress of their academy prospects if they act on Kevin Thelwell’s recommendations.
Thelwell was dismissed by the club last month despite only formally starting his role as sporting director in the summer. His departure, along with that of chief executive Patrick Stewart, came after criticism of recruitment decisions.
Before his exit, Thelwell had emphasised the need for Rangers to integrate more young players into the first team – an approach head coach Danny Rohl was asked to embrace.
The timing of the sackings was unexpected, given Thelwell had recently given a lengthy interview to Rangers TV outlining his vision for youth development. But Ferguson, the former midfielder now turned pundit, believes this is the wrong moment for such a shift.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Ferguson explained:
“He just needs to win matches above everything else. If you look at the last few games, the atmosphere at Ibrox has been toxic because the team hasn’t started well. That kind of pressure can seriously knock young players back.
“They need to come into a side that’s functioning properly and playing with confidence. Otherwise, you risk damaging them.
“You also have to ask: are these youngsters actually ready? They can’t be thrown in just for the sake of it.”
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