A 33-year-old has reached an agreement to move from Rangers to Southampton.

A 33-year-old coach is set to swap Glasgow for England’s south coast after agreeing a move from Rangers F.C. to Southampton F.C., according to reports.

Liam Ross, who has been working with Rangers’ Under-19 side, is leaving Ibrox to take up a new position within Southampton’s academy structure. The news was first reported by The Rangers Review, which states that the deal has been finalised, with only an official announcement remaining.

Ross’s departure marks the end of a relatively brief spell with the Glasgow club. He joined Rangers’ youth setup after Steven Smith became part of Danny Rohl’s coaching staff, and since then has played an important role in the development of the club’s U19 players. Despite his short tenure, Ross built a reputation as a diligent and progressive coach, contributing to the pathway designed to prepare young talents for senior football.

Still only 33, Ross has already accumulated a wide range of experience across different roles in the game. His coaching journey began at Dundee United F.C., where he took on several responsibilities, including assistant manager at Under-21 level, performance manager, and match analyst. These varied positions allowed him to gain insight into both the tactical and analytical sides of football, equipping him with a broad skill set that has clearly enhanced his coaching profile.

In addition to his time at Dundee United, Ross also spent a period working with Swansea City A.F.C.. That experience further diversified his background and exposed him to different footballing philosophies and academy environments. Such exposure is likely to have strengthened his credentials and made him an attractive candidate for a club like Southampton, known for placing significant emphasis on youth development.

At Rangers, Ross was part of a structure aimed at nurturing the next generation of talent. The club has long prided itself on developing young players capable of stepping into the first team, and Ross contributed to that objective through his work with the Under-19 squad. However, his stay in Glasgow has proved to be a short one, as the opportunity to join a Championship side with a celebrated academy record was one he ultimately chose to accept.

The report indicates that Rangers are preparing to confirm his exit formally and will soon provide clarity on who will replace him. In the meantime, Malky Thomson is expected to oversee the Under-19s, with preparations already under way to ensure continuity within the youth ranks.

For Ross, the move represents a significant step in his career. It will be his first coaching role in England, and joining Southampton offers the chance to be part of one of the country’s most respected academy systems. Southampton’s commitment to youth development is well established, and their academy has consistently produced players who have gone on to enjoy success at the highest level of the game.

The south coast club has built a reputation over decades for identifying, nurturing, and promoting young talent. Perhaps the most famous graduate of their academy is Gareth Bale, who developed at Southampton before earning a high-profile move to Tottenham Hotspur and later securing a then-record transfer to Real Madrid. During his time in Spain, Bale won five UEFA Champions League titles and became one of the most recognisable figures in world football.

Another iconic name to emerge from Southampton’s system is Alan Shearer, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in English football history and the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer. His prolific career serves as a testament to the strong developmental foundations laid during his formative years.

Supporters also fondly remember Matt Le Tissier, often described as one of the club’s finest-ever players. Renowned for his technical brilliance and loyalty to Southampton, Le Tissier became a symbol of the club during his playing days.

In more recent decades, Southampton’s academy has continued to thrive. Players such as Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Luke Shaw have all progressed through the youth ranks before securing major moves and representing England at international level. Kevin Phillips is another notable product of the club’s system, enjoying a distinguished professional career that included winning the European Golden Shoe.

Given this impressive history, it is easy to see why Ross would view the move as an exciting opportunity. Working within an academy that has consistently delivered top-level talent offers both prestige and the chance to contribute to a proven development pathway. Southampton’s philosophy has long centred on giving young players a platform to grow, and Ross will now have the opportunity to help shape the next generation of prospects.

For Rangers, Ross’s departure is undoubtedly a loss, but it also reflects the regard in which their coaching staff are held. Producing coaches capable of stepping into roles at ambitious English clubs highlights the strength of their own developmental framework behind the scenes.

Ultimately, Ross’s decision signals a new chapter in his coaching career. Having already gathered experience across Scotland and Wales, he now takes his first step into English football with a club synonymous with academy excellence. If Southampton’s track record is any indication, he will be joining an environment rich in opportunity and expectation, where the focus on youth remains central to the club’s identity.