RANGERS have made the shock decision to SCRAP their B-team.
Ibrox Technical Director Nils Koppen has been looking at the pathway for the club’s rising stars.
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And SunSport understands the Belgian has decided the current system is flawed.
The Gers second-string played in the Lowland League for two seasons before withdrawing from that set-up in 2023.
That came after a failed bid by the SFA to create a new Conference League.
Now the club’s B-team – largely made up of Under-23 players – doesn’t participate in any organised league.
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Instead challenge matches are organised for the youngsters against their same age-group.
They also play in competitions like the Glasgow Cup.
But Koppen reckons up-and-coming players should the playing more competitive men’s football to enhance their development.
He wants more youngsters promoted to the first-team environment – or sent out on loan.
Current B-team boss Malky Thomson will be given a new role within the club’s Academy.
It’s understood Koppen has been backed by top team boss Philippe Clement and new chief executive Patrick Stewart.
Defender Clinton Nsiala, 20, has made the jump into the first-team squad in recent weeks and thrived.
Other B-team players such as Alex Lowry and Zak Lovelace have also had opportunities previously.
The news will now alert clubs in Scotland to the possibility of snapping up Gers’ promising kids for the rest of the season.
The SPFL clubs have also been discussing a proposed plan which could see Premiership clubs form a formal link with lower league clubs in a bid to help bring through academy players.
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