Craig Mulholland has opened up on his decision to depart Rangers in the summer.
The 45-year-old has been at the club for 20 years, initially joining as Football in the Community manager in 2003. He held various roles at the Light Blues before landing his position as Head of Academy in 2015. He's played a huge role in the youth set up at Ibrox with the likes of Nathan Patterson, Billy Gilmour, Bobby McCrorie, Leon King, Alex Lowry and Adam Devine all developed under his watch.
But now he is ready to move on as he paid tribute to the board members past and present for all the support they gave him whilst wishing Michael Beale and his first-team coaching staff the very best for the future alongside all the young players on the books.
READ MORE: Kris Boyd names FOUR Rangers stars with Ibrox future as he makes Jack Butland transfer claim
Speaking to Rangers' official website, he explained: “I have loved my 20 years working at the club that I had grown up with, and, in particular, the last eight leading our Academy, B Team and women’s teams. However, in all leadership positions, sometimes knowing when the right time to move on is as important as deciding which opportunities to take.
“My successor will inherit some fantastic people, working passionately to deliver on a clear strategic vision, underpinned by strong processes and modern, innovative methodology. They will also inherit some outstanding young talents which will lead to an exciting future for the club and the Academy over the next few years.
“I am immensely proud of all we have achieved, and I would like to thank John, Stewart, James and all of the current and previous board members for their fantastic support and wish Michael and his staff the very best for the future. Above all, I would like to thank each and every one of the young players who drive our motivation and energy every single day.”
James Bisgrove added: “On behalf of the board, I would like sincerely to thank Craig as he moves on, having transformed our Academy into one which is on a par and even exceeds many clubs in Europe’s biggest leagues.
“Craig will leave the club with a fantastic legacy, which includes the professionalisation of our women’s programme, being the leader on B Teams being introduced into senior Scottish football, creating our Boclair Academy performance school and having brought in over £15 million in Academy player sales in the last five years.
“Together with Michael Beale, John Bennett and the Board, I will now lead a thorough process to identify his replacement, as we continue a wide-ranging transformation of all areas of the football club.”
READ NEXT:
- Michael Beale makes 'fine margins' Rangers verdict as he provides Kent and Morelos future update
- Celtic and Rangers fans flood Hampden as Hoops edge into the Scottish Cup final
- Rangers 0 Celtic 1 as key switch off punished, Tillman injury concern - 3 things we learned
