McDowall, Kenny

From RangersPedia

First Team coach McDowall has taken the unlikeliest of routes to Rangers - spending a decade at Old Firm rivals Celtic on the way.

A Light Blues fan as a child, it was at St Mirren that he really came to prominence as a striker.

Having started out as a youth with Partick Thistle, he later established himself at the Buddies and had 12 enjoyable years there.

McDowall's undoubted highlight in that period was being part of the side which won the 1987 Scottish Cup under Alex Smith at Dundee United's expense.

His efforts for Saints - which included a winner at Ibrox in Mo Johnston's first game for Gers - earned him a testimonial against Morton in 1996.

McDowall was a fans' favourite at Love Street and supporters there nicknamed him the Mad Monk. He went on to score 44 times in 291 appearances.

Latterly in Paisley, McDowall began his coaching career as Jimmy Bone's deputy but was sacked just a few months later when the club made cuts.

He wasn't out of work long and soon took up a post at Parkhead as a youth and reserve coach with Celtic in 1997.

McDowall made a good impression and was linked with a number of management jobs elsewhere, including at then SPL side Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

But it wasn't until January 2007 that he chose to go and when he made his switch, it was to Murray Park as part of Walter Smith's backroom team.

His eye-catching move wasn't considered the heinous crime it was when Alfie Conn or Johnston went to one half of the Glasgow divide after spending time on the other side.

But while it was a surprise, it has worked well and a key member of staff, McDowall and assistant Ally McCoist provide the perfect link between the manager and his players.