Rangers manager Michael Beale has singled out Neil Banfield for praise after taking three members of his coaching team from QPR with him to Ibrox.

While Harry Watling and Damien Matthew will also become part of the backroom staff, Beale placed extra emphasis on the appointment of Banfield, who has bags of experience from his time at Arsenal:

“It’s hugely important [having a strong coaching team]. They have all worked at big clubs before as well. Chelsea, West Ham, Arsenal, Neil (Banfield) worked there for 21 years alongside Arsene Wenger. That is a huge support to me. It’s the grey hair one or two maybe some don’t think I have.”

Banfield began his coaching career all the way back in 1992 when he was appointed to lead Charlton’s academy. He then moved to the Gunners in 1997 where he worked with the academy and reserve teams before gaining a promotion to the first team in 2012.

He spent six years working alongside Arsene Wenger at London Colney until the Frenchman’s departure from the English Premier League club at the end of the 2017/18 season.

After leaving the Emirates, Banfield took up a role at QPR, and he had already spent a few years at Loftus Road before Beale’s appointment in the summer. His decision to uproot himself from London, where he has worked his entire, life to Scotland is, therefore, somewhat surprising but he will certainly be a valuable member of Beale’s team.