NafisaRangers continue to reshape the club both on and off the pitch as a summer of significant change gathers pace at Ibrox. While much of the focus has understandably centred on Derek McInnes’ arrival and the first-team rebuild, important developments are also taking place behind the scenes as the club prepares for the future.
The Glasgow giants have already overseen major structural changes in recent months, with fresh faces arriving across several departments following the managerial transition.
However, alongside those appointments, Rangers are also saying goodbye to long-serving members of staff who have played key roles away from the spotlight.
One such departure has now been confirmed, bringing an end to more than a decade of service at the club and marking another notable change within Rangers’ academy structure.
Who has departed from Rangers?
Scott Edgar has announced that he will leave Rangers this August after spending 11 years at the club as Senior Soccer Academies Executive.
Throughout his time at Ibrox, Edgar played an important role in developing the Rangers Soccer Academies programme, helping expand the club’s grassroots initiatives and strengthening relationships with councils, schools, charities and commercial partners. His work focused on securing funding and creating sustainable programmes designed to introduce young players to the Rangers pathway.
Confirming his decision on X, Edgar wrote:
“After 11 incredible years, I have made the difficult decision to move on from Rangers Football Club this August.
“The club has shaped both my career and the person I have become. I am grateful for every opportunity and friendship made along the way. Thank you, Rangers.”
His departure represents another significant behind-the-scenes change for the Ibrox club during a summer that has already seen widespread restructuring.
Earlier in the window, Danny Röhl departed for RB Salzburg before Rangers appointed Derek McInnes as their new manager. McInnes has since overseen several alterations to his backroom team, including the return of former goalkeeper Allan McGregor in a coaching capacity.
Edgar’s exit means Rangers will now have another important position to address, particularly given the impact he has had on the development of the Soccer Academies over the past decade.
The programme has provided opportunities for children aged between five and 15 to develop their skills while learning the club’s football philosophy, with several participants eventually progressing into Rangers’ academy system.
Are the Rangers Soccer Academies successful?
The Soccer Academies have produced a number of success stories over the years, demonstrating the importance of the programme within Rangers’ long-term player development strategy.
One of the best-known examples is Leon King, who first came onto Rangers’ radar after attending one of the Soccer Academies as a five-year-old before progressing through the youth ranks and eventually reaching the first team.
Reflecting on his early experience, King previously said:
“It was amazing, and for a wee boy at that age, it was such a good opportunity and a chance to go and show Rangers what you could do.”
Although King’s career ultimately took him away from Ibrox, he left the club having been part of Steven Gerrard’s Scottish Premiership-winning squad during the 2020-21 campaign, illustrating the pathway the Soccer Academies are designed to create.
With Edgar now preparing to move on, Rangers will be keen to ensure the programme continues producing future talent while maintaining the strong community links established during his tenure.
As the club enters a new era under Derek McInnes, attention may naturally remain fixed on first-team matters, but developments behind the scenes could prove equally important to Rangers’ long-term ambitions. Finding the right successor to continue Edgar’s work will now become another task for the Ibrox hierarchy as they look to build on the foundations laid over the past 11 years.
Nafisa
