Key Points
- Rangers U19 coach Steven Smith has been approached by a Championship club.
- Smith is currently serving as interim first-team head coach following Russell Martin’s sacking.
- Rangers are advancing towards appointing Kevin Muscat as permanent head coach.
- Academy coaching changes confirmed with Brian Gilmour taking over Under-18s.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) February 16, 2026 – Rangers have suffered a blow in their academy setup as highly rated U19s coach Steven Smith attracts interest from an English Championship outfit.
The 40-year-old, who enjoyed two spells as a player at Ibrox, stepped up to oversee first-team training after the club parted ways with Russell Martin following a 1-1 draw at Falkirk. Rangers currently languish in eighth place in the Scottish Premiership with no home league wins this season.
Who is the departing Rangers coach?
Steven Smith, Rangers’ U19 coach, has impressed during his interim stint with the senior squad ahead of their match against Dundee United. According to Sky Sports, Smith trusts his academy methods and aims to deliver a performance that makes fans happy after a challenging period.
As reported by Keith Downie of Sky Sports, Smith recalled positive interactions with incoming frontrunner Kevin Muscat during his playing days at the club.
What triggered the coaching changes at Rangers?
Rangers sacked Russell Martin after just 123 days in charge, prompting a search for a new head coach. Danny Rohl held talks with the Ibrox hierarchy but withdrew from the process, leaving Kevin Muscat as the frontrunner per Sky Sports reporting.
How has the academy been affected?
The club confirmed academy restructuring, with B-team coach Brian Gilmour now leading the Under-18s in Club Academy Scotland competitions, according to the official Rangers website. This follows Smith’s temporary first-team duties alongside coaches Sal Bibbo and Rhys Owen.
What are the implications for Rangers’ future?
With Muscat’s Shanghai Port side in a title race in China, Rangers prepare for interim leadership under Smith against Dundee United. Losing their top youth coach to Championship interest could disrupt academy progress amid the first-team turmoil.
Rangers face ongoing challenges in the Scottish Premiership, with fans expecting swift stabilisation under new permanent leadership.
