Clemdog 39,389 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 In early February, Rangers, and specifically Craig Mulholland the head of our academy, invited two representatives from all of the main supporters organisations along to to gain a more detailed insight into our footballing academy. So on the 19th of February, JCDBigBear and myself were in attendance with Craig and Greg Statt, another member of staff at the academy. We personally would like to thank Craig, Greg and all the other staff, for not only the invitation, but for the making of an enjoyable evening. Beginning with a quote that Craig finished his presentation on; "Some coaches talk about how many games they've won. Others are too busy developing players." Which quite rightly summarises the presentation that was put forward to the thirty fans on Friday night. Craig has a belief, which is easy to thrive off. Similar to Warburton he has an addictive personality, one that by his own admission, does not like energy sappers. Craig would be the first to say his belief isn't 'magic' it's simply best practice, but practice at the World's best academies in which he has studied, Sporting Lisbon to name but one. This belief took him to being offered the role of head of academy at Southampton. Something which I believe is a credit to that energy he has for football. However, one thing that was also apparent throughout his presentation was that this isn't a 'Craig Mulholland' philosophy, nor a 'Mark Warburton' philosophy, it simply put is the new Rangers philosophy. The main objective of that philosophy is; 'To create one of the best academies in Europe, which produces players of an international standard who can excel at the highest level in Scotland and Europe.' Which will not change, no matter if he or Mark Warburton leaves. Now the way an academy is rated, is by how many of their graduates go on to play first team football in the top 33 European Leagues. Currently, Rangers are not on the list due to not being in a premier division. Nevertheless once we can be rated Craig has made it Rangers' aim to get into the top 15. Unfortunately, we do not have the list Craig produced of the top 50 academies, but included were Clubs smaller than our own: Southampton; Tottenham; Partizan Belgrade and Sporting Lisbon. The philosophy being put into practice at Auchenhowie has much detail, some minor and some major. But one of the key parts to the success is simply enjoyment. Gone are the days of adults screaming at youngsters. Equally so have the swear words. Stubble too, all the youths must be clean shaven. It is that positive and respectful culture that Craig believes the 'magic' to creating the right environment at Auchenhowie. Changes on the staff had to be made also, playing and non, so that we had the right breed of personality. The fining policy for the youth team has been replaced with a much more meaningful punishment. If you have a disciplinary, you are kept on until 5pm and if this occurs three times, you will be dropped from the next game. Equally important to this philosophy is the academic aspect, so if any School feedback misbehaviour it will be treated in the same manner. Which leads me to another quote used; "Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." From the Greek philosopher, Aristotle. The attitude that positives should be overemphasised is one that simply aides the level of enjoyment. Not only has the ideology corrected the environment, it clearly demanded a footballing change. It certainly seems that Mark and Craig enjoyed a similar thought to this change, highlighted by the footballing formation now blanketed across the whole Club. We have been lucky enough to see why this formation was chosen, but naturally Craig delved deeper into the thought process behind our 4-3-3 formation. It challenges our players, encourages the creation of triangles, defensively allows us to create high pressure, gives us calmness in possession and lastly inspires rotational movement. Sadly, Craig went through that slide quicker than I could write down all the positives, but there was, likewise with all in which he said, a genuine enthusiasm. The link between Craig, Mark and numerous other staff members is only emphasised again by their monthly technical meetings in which they discuss improving and performing youth players. This was something which was introduced by Stuart McCall in his short Managerial career at the Club. Which only affirms the notion that this is a Rangers philosophy, bought into by the whole Club. Other important introductions since his arrival include: Online profiles for every footballer in the academy, consisting of medical information, coaching sessions and individual video clips. Being voted onto the SFA committee to help structure youth football. Observational development studies, meaning every six months each staff member at Auchenhowie have to go to a different football, rugby or tennis academy. A new education base, where tutors come in every day to assist the players with their studies. Lastly, new tutoring groups and discussions which happen on a weekly basis, including; cooking lessons, media training and lessons from David Mason, and others, on what it means to be a Ranger. The lasting impression I gained from the evening, was not just the belief that change was in motion, but the realism that it is already in occurrence. This was further highlighted by the other initiatives in the place which will only promote the new philosophy. Repeatedly mentioned was that it was all about 'the bigger picture'. Going back to two teams mentioned, Spurs and Southampton, Craig compared their positions in their development leagues, 8th and 11th. That 'bigger picture' is about development for our best youth players, if it's by playing U16s in U20 games or loaning out our youths for real experience. That is the model and 'magic' that he has learnt whilst at these academies. It was summed up best by Craig, with an alteration on an old Scottish footballing cliche, 'give us a footballer, and we'll deal with their athleticism'. It's not a finished project, but it's certainly one that I hope never ends. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bears r us 30,771 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Great to read all that thanks for sharing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Creampuff 22,628 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Great read. All sounding far more professional than what we had before. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazza27 15,281 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Brilliant read that,the future is bright Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeyserSoze 14,520 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Fantastic read Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inigo 32,526 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laudrup1984 25,100 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Fantastic read. Great to hear and can only benefit us in the long run. Also good note that McCall's little input, no matter how small it may seem, has been implemented into our plans. Communication at all levels must be of the utmost importance. Also interesting to see the Spurs and Southampton development league positions as a comparison. Winning is great but is not the be all and end all at that age. Like the fact that we keep an eye on their progress and discipline at school too. All very positive stuff....... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
graeme_4 34,350 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmcf 34,090 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Excellent read. Good to see we're thinking of longevity and more importantly, continuity , no matter who's in charge . Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sket 13,610 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Blazer chasers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prince George 601 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Thanks for sharing information and a good read. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazzler 2,428 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 The future is bright...... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
onefootwillie 1,518 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Wonderful read it will be going to see the youth players make the first team at some point Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clemdog 39,389 Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 They also showed us a video from each age group, in which our team scored a very similar goal. The improvement may not be immediate with our U20's, but I definitely gain the feeling that all age groups below that will be completely different. In a good way. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
donnymac 115 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 thanks for sharing. greg statt is a top bloke also, was very good to me & my family when we over from n.z in 2011 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluerod 358 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 3 hours ago, Creampuff said: Great read. All sounding far more professional than what we had before. Great read Would not be hard to improve on the shambles of the last three years managerial wise. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clemdog 39,389 Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 22 minutes ago, donnymac said: thanks for sharing. greg statt is a top bloke also, was very good to me & my family when we over from n.z in 2011 Top guy. The groups split into two, with Craig doing one tour and Greg the other. Craig had finished his tour, got changed and was heading out the door, whilst Greg was still ongoing with ours answering any questions on the way around. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Creampuff 22,628 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 2 hours ago, ben51 said: They also showed us a video from each age group, in which our team scored a very similar goal. The improvement may not be immediate with our U20's, but I definitely gain the feeling that all age groups below that will be completely different. In a good way. Yeah that would fit in nicely with the whole new philosophy thing. Should help young players fit into the senior team easier as well. Exciting times! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
K.A.I 36,183 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Having met him a few times I can say Craig is a great guy. His passion and commitment is what we've been lacking. Compare him to the clown we had previously Sinclair and things are indeed looking bright. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_RFC87 761 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Great read Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turnberry18 3,204 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Very exciting what is happening at the club these days. Encouraging. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWR1979 1,964 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Good article, I hope we seem some good young players coming through over the next few years. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skyson1872 2,923 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 13 hours ago, ben51 said: Top guy. The groups split into two, with Craig doing one tour and Greg the other. Craig had finished his tour, got changed and was heading out the door, whilst Greg was still ongoing with ours answering any questions on the way around. thats a disgrass gee Craig his p45 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgeIsBlue 66,595 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Cracking read Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clemdog 39,389 Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 3 hours ago, Skyson1872 said: thats a disgrass gee Craig his p45 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.