GEELONG Rangers SC has posted a notice of intent to their State League Three rivals in 2016 by appointing highly regarded coach Jim McLean to lead the club in the coming season. The former professional player, who had stints at Sunderland and Greenock Morton, before playing for the Brisbane Lions in the now defunct NSL, said he had watched the senior side over the past two seasons and believed the players were not reaching their full potential.

PHOTO: New Rangers' senior coach Jim McLean

“There is going to be a huge culture change to achieve what I want to achieve and that is going to include attitude and discipline,” McLean said.

“This is a good club, run by good people with excellent facilities and I am excited to be given the opportunity. My love of the game has never gone away and I want to pass it on and give value for money.”

McLean said he had turned down other clubs to take the job at Myers Reserve.

“I am looking forward to the challenge and I am hoping to bring a new level of professionalism to the club, it’s all about preparation,” McLean said.

His team will play possession-based football.

“I’ve got my mind set on how things should be, It will be a good style, with plenty of possession with the obvious intent of putting the ball in the back of the net,” he said.

McLean, who has two sons at the club, Aaron and Andy, was not coming to Rangers to “make pals” and would be introducing new faces.

“The door is open for anybody to come and age does not come into it, if they are good enough they will get a chance,” he said.

In an added bonus to the next crop of talented Rangers, with the Rangers development sides performing well at all levels last season, the club has provided a clearer pathway into the senior ranks by appointing highly regarded local coach Liam McCloskey as their Under 17 supremo.

The Bell Post Hill club sees the appointment as a crucial link between its junior and senior teams.

Highly qualified and respected, McCloskey, is attracting players to an already strong squad and will work together with McLean in producing players that are match ready to step up.

“The club feels that it is doing everything in its power to give the best opportunities to players looking to make something of themselves”, stated an official club media release.

“With the appointment of Liam as our under 17’s coach, we know that the future of football at Rangers and the Geelong region are in the best hands” concluded the statement by the Rangers Committee.

NOTICE: This Thursday night (26th of November), the Rangers will be holding a light kick about and a ‘Meet and Greet’ with new senior coach Jim McLean. This is an open invitation and a great opportunity for any past, present or future players to come up and introduce themselves to the club and coach. All are welcome. Please be at the Myers Reserve clubrooms for a 6:30pm start.