Jack Butland names the Rangers coaching staff member who has been 'nervous' recently, it will surprise fans
03/28/2025 12:00 PM
Jack Butland has revealed that new Rangers goalkeeping coach Allan McGregor has been nervous to make things right at Ibrox.
Philippe Clement’s difficult reign ended in February, with Barry Ferguson installed as interim Rangers boss until the end of the season.
Ferguson decided to recruit his former teammate and legendary goalkeeper McGregor into his coaching staff alongside Neil McCann and Billy Dodds.
McGregor’s intensity as a coach has already been caught on camera when he was gearing Butland and Liam Kelly up for the visit of Fenerbahce to Glasgow.
And now after around a month working together, Butland has opened up about his relationship with McGregor, who admits has been nervy since coming in as goalkeeping coach.
Butland also told the press on Friday at the Rangers Training Centre that the pair enjoy time together inside and outside of work, playing some golf when they can.
The former England stopper said: “I think it’s been brilliant (working under McGregor). Our relationship has developed over my time here, obviously with Allan retiring and then a few rounds of golf here and there between him and myself.
“And we’ve had a friendship outside of football. So for them to bring him back in to be here now is really enjoyable.
“I think he’s just as nervous as anybody, he wants to come and do a great job. But for me, there’s nobody better to have around.
“Not just because of what he achieved but he also understands what I might be going through and what it’s like as a Rangers player, as a Rangers goalkeeper. So the relationship is a really, really good one.
“I really enjoy working together and it’s been really good so far.”
What is Allan McGregor like as a Rangers coach?
Of course, McGregor retired from professional football at the end of the 2022/23 season, with Butland taking his place as Ibrox’s No.1 stopper.
Fans may be surprised to hear Butland say McGregor has been nervous to succeed – but that’s only going to be natural given the circumstances.
This is McGregor’s first role in football after his playing retirement, so coaching will be something he’ll have to learn on the job despite his vast experience.
Asked what McGregor is like as a coach and what his message has been to Butland, the Rangers goalkeeper replied: “Very much the same. He’s not trying to change anything, he’s trying to work together and that’s what we're doing.
“I believe I’m a top goalkeeper and I hope that he sees that. For us, it’s just about bouncing off each other and just existing and sort of enjoying each other’s company, working hard, training hard.
“A lot of our values align anyway, so that’s the way I am. That’s the way he is, it’s just a relationship that works really well.
“I don’t think he has needed to really say a great deal. I know what is expected. Having him in your presence and him in and around the building can only help that.”
