Rangers’ Long-Standing Issues and Academy Overhaul
For too long, Rangers have been drifting, relying on hope rather than decisive action to spark real progress. One of the club’s most pressing concerns is its academy system, which has struggled to develop players who fulfill their potential or generate significant transfer fees—both crucial for financial sustainability.
Nils Koppen has implemented changes behind the scenes, notably scrapping the B team and restructuring the Under-18s, now led by Steven Smith, as the club’s senior development squad. However, a gap remains for older academy players and first-team members returning from injury, prompting matches like the recent bounce game against Crystal Palace at Auchenhowie.
Alex Smith Shines as Rangers Defeat Crystal Palace
Rangers’ starting lineup included £4m winger Oscar Cortes, alongside Bailey Rice, Clinton Nsiala, Rafael Fernandes, Ross McCausland, and Findlay Curtis—most of whom played only 60 minutes to stay fresh for their upcoming Europa League clash.
However, it was Alex Smith, one of the youngest players on the pitch, who stole the spotlight. The 16-year-old produced a moment of brilliance, weaving through the Palace defence before setting up Calum Adamson for the game’s only goal in a 1-0 victory.
This match provided valuable experience for both first-team squad members and Under-18 players against a well-organized Premier League opponent.
Who is Alex Smith?
A highly sought-after playmaker, Alex Smith was pursued by Arsenal and several other top clubs before choosing to sign his first professional contract with Rangers last summer. His decision was significant enough to catch the attention of transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reported:
“Alexander Smith has signed a three-year professional contract at Rangers. Eligible for USA & Scotland, Smith picked Rangers ahead of strong options in MLS and Premier League.”
Standing at just 5ft 5in, Smith has long played above his age group, establishing himself in the Under-18s and now featuring in Rangers’ restructured development setup. He has represented both USA and Scotland at Under-17 level, making him a key prospect for the future.
Rangers’ academy has struggled to transition young talents into the first team, with Alex Lowry being a recent example of a player who failed to make a lasting impact before moving on. If the club hopes to close the gap on Celtic, it must ensure Smith has a clear pathway to senior football, preventing history from repeating itself.
