Kevin Thomson lauds ‘foundations’ ex-Rangers team-mate set at Kelty

Kevin Thomson has admitted that the endorsement of former Rangers team-mate Barry Ferguson was the “defining factor” in deciding to leave his role in charge of the Gers’ B team to take the reins at Kelty Hearts.

Ferguson surprisingly opted against renewing his contract at New Central Park earlier this month, instead heading to Alloa, with Thomson taking his first managerial role with the League Two new boys.

Thomson spoke with Ferguson and his assistant Bob Malcolm even before the pair moved on from the Fifers, and was full of praise for the “foundations” laid by the Ferguson and Malcolm.

“The foundations Baz and Bob have laid speak volumes,” he said, speaking to the Courier. “I’ve had a good few chats with them, and have obviously been talking to Barry for a long time.

“Even when Barry was still the Kelty manager and no-one knew he would leave, I was speaking to him about the job was doing here and what a great club and structure is in place.

“I’d say Barry’s endorsement is probably the defining factor in me coming here.”

Rangers fans think he’ll be back

Despite leaving Ibrox, Rangers fans think Thomson will return to the club in the future – with many tipping him as a future manager of the Light Blues.

With Kelty looking to consolidate their place in the SPFL after their historic promotion from the Lowland League, Thomson may well look to loan some of the youngsters who have worked with him at the Gers.

Despite Rangers fielding a B team in the Lowland League next season – which would have been managed by Thomson – the Gers will still be keen to get youngsters out at a level that will challenge them and push their development on.

Working with Thomson at Kelty would definitely be a good fit for some of them over the next 12 months as they aim to follow the likes of Nathan Patterson into the first-team squad at Rangers.

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