Nairn teenager move to Glasgow Rangers is boost to Inverness Caley Thistle Academy
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HEAD of youth development Charlie Christie says Kieron Willox leaving Inverness Caledonian Thistle to sign for Rangers is a huge compliment to the work being done at the club’s academy.
The Nairn teenager signed for the Glasgow giants this week as he left Inverness after six years at the club.
Willox (16) had been attracting the attention of a number of clubs before agreeing to sign with the Ibrox outfit.
Christie says while it was a blow to lose Willox, it is the club’s policy not to stand in the way of any player who wants to move on.
He says the fact Willox is moving to a big club like Rangers is testament to the talent coming through.
“We heard over the last year there were teams interested in him, I got a call from Rangers four months ago and that kicked started the whole thing,” said Christie.
“They watched him on four occasions and liked what they saw.
“I spoke with manager Billy Dodds who allowed him to go.
“It is our policy we don’t stop boys getting these opportunities to see where it takes them. He played a practice match where he did well and Rangers progressed their interest.
“It is good for the Academy as it shows you can join Inverness Caledonian Thistle Academy and progress through our ranks.
“If the chance comes for players to step up, it is the club’s policy we won’t stand in their way to go to a bigger club.
“It is a positive for the academy, where we are confident of producing excellent players who can go far in the game.”
Christie is meeting with Willox and his parents this week, who have asked for his advice regarding how his son, Bournemouth midfielder and Scotland international Ryan Christie coped coming through.
“I have spoke to Kieron’s parents and they asked me for advice. They had two options, to join a club where competition is huge and the pathway to progress to the first team is challenging. Or we offer an apprenticeship to go through Caley Thistle’s ranks like Ryan did.
“There is no wrong decision, Ryan had John Hughes who believed in him and trusted him at a young age and it paid dividends. Not every manager is like that.”
Speaking about Willox as a player, Christie said: “He can play inside left or wide left, he is an attacking type player and can play anywhere across the front.
“He is flexible with good feet and technical ability and decent pace as well.”
