Rangers appoint new academy director as James Bisgrove hails 'outstanding candidate'

Rangers have appointed Zeb Jacobs as the club's new Academy Director.

The Belgian, who was originally recruited from Royal Antwerp in 2021 as head of academy coaching, replaces Craig Mulholland, who left the club at the end of the season after spending the past 20 years at Ibrox, the last eight as head of the academy.

Incoming Rangers CEO James Bisgrove described 28-year-old Jacobs as the “outstanding candidate” for the role.

Bisgrove said: "I'd like to firstly congratulate Zeb on his appointment. Michael Beale and I, along with other key colleagues from the football department, led a thorough and diligent recruitment process to identify our next Academy Director, with Zeb the outstanding candidate.

Incoming Rangers CEO James Bisgrove (left) with newly appointed Academy Director Zeb Jacobs.

"Zeb will bring constant innovation and a clear vision to the role, and his strong collaborative relationship with Michael Beale and the first team staff will ensure a direct link and pathway between the Academy and men's first team that will flourish for many years.

"The Rangers Academy has produced some of the leading talents in the Scottish game in recent seasons, and we're confident that Zeb is well placed to create an environment for the next crop of talent to thrive and reach the Rangers first team.”

Jacobs says he intends to make Rangers one of the leading clubs in the world at developing young players following his promotion.

"I am excited about this new chapter as the Academy Director of Rangers Football Club,” he said. “The opportunity to develop the best young talent in Scotland is incredibly exciting, and I am ready to make a lasting impact.

"With the resources and elite infrastructure already in place, I firmly believe that our Academy has the potential to become world-leading in player development. My vision is crystal clear: ‘create the most exciting learning environment in sports'. By maximising the potential of every player and nurturing their skills, we aim to produce a new generation of players who can excel not only for Rangers in Scotland but also on the European stage.

"My relationship with Michael Beale, our CEO and board is already very strong, and we will look to use that to maximise the pathway from the Academy to the first-team. I am grateful for this opportunity and truly excited for the bright future ahead."