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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Harry Watling outlines Rangers first-team development coach role under Michael Beale

Harry Watling has revealed what his role of first-team development coach at Rangers entails in his first interview since his move to Ibrox.

The former Chelsea, West Ham and Millwall youth coach followed Michael Beale to Rangers from QPR.

And he's been given the new first-team development coach sparking intrigue over what he's responsible for under the new management team.

In an interview with Rangers TV, the coach explained his role will focus on improving individuals with a major focus on the defensive unit and set-pieces.

Watling will also be tasked with focusing on contributing to goals scored and created by the full-backs at Ibrox.

"The title is first-team development coach, so I am here to help develop the individuals first and foremost," said Watling.

"We've got a lot of exciting young players here that I want to help get into the first team.

"I think then the manager wants me to focus on the defenders as a unit and more specifically the full-backs on how we can help create and score goals from those areas.

"Then I'll have a focus on set pieces as well, I think we can certainly improve on that and I really want to help the team score more set plays but also stop it from going in at the other end."

Watling, 33, had a brief stint in management himself with Hartford Athletic in the United States before returning to the UK to join Beale at QPR.

And he reckons his experiences working with senior players, but particularly elite youth talents, will help him "bridge the gap" between the Ibrox first-team, B team and academy set-up.

He added: "The academy is a brilliant one - I have already seen the work that goes on. I am excited to try and bridge the gap between the first team and the B team and the academy to help some of the young, gifted, and talented players to come through and see a pathway.

"Coming to a club as big as Rangers is a privilege because there is a lot of expectation but I think that is where you want to be as a coach. You want to work at the highest level where you are expected to win and produce, so delighted to be here."

Continuing to discuss his switch to Rangers, Watling said: "You're either cut out for it or you are not but I think working for a club as prestigious as Rangers is a massive privilege, so I am really excited and looking forward to it.

"Straight away you see the level is high. The enthusiasm from the players since we have come in has been top and I think their ability and enthusiasm and their passion to practice - especially with a new manager coming in everyone has got a little bit more of a skip in their step which is great to see.

"I'm really looking forward to helping them improve and helping us win."


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