Kevin Thomson: This is vital lesson that Rangers youngsters must learn
Rangers youth coach Kevin Thomson has explained the values he wants to instil in the Gers’ young players – and revealed an anecdote which shows how he wants players to approach everything.
Thomson has won plaudits for his private youth Academy and has since been appointed to work with the Gers’ Under-13’s group as the Ibrox giants put great emphasis on producing young talent.
The former Rangers and Scotland midfielder was forced to hang up his boots aged 31 after a string of serious injuries derailed his career.
Thomson revealed he wants players to “appreciate” their surroundings and the opportunity they have at the Gers as he settles into his new coaching role with the Gers.
“One thing I always say to parents is to be a young footballer you need to be hard working, but also respectful,” Thomson said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“You must also try and be the best you can be and I’m trying to instil that in every kid who comes into my care. For me, those are great fundamentals for a player.
“I saw a youth-team player sweeping the floors and he told me he hated that job.
“I told him I hate doing lots of things, but it’s important you do them with a smile on your face, always.
“That doesn’t make you a better footballer. But if you appreciate your surroundings you will try to make the best of them and that’s something I’m trying to implement.”
Thomson spent three years at Ibrox as a player after signing for the Gers in January 2007 following Walter Smith’s return to the club.
The midfielder picked up two Scottish titles, two Scottish League Cups and a Scottish Cup for the Gers as well as playing in the 2008 UEFA Cup final defeat by Zenit St. Petersburg in 2008.
Thomson left Ibrox in 2010 to join Middlesbrough before returning to Scotland after a series of injuries at the Riverside and ending his senior career with spells at Hibs and Dundee.
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