Ex-Rangers No2 Alex Rae lands job alongside Celtic star after Ibrox exit and plans to repay 30-year debt to his new club

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
ALEX RAE'S back in football as Partick Thistle No2 — and looking to repay a 30-year debt to the club.
Three and a half months after leaving Rangers following Philippe Clement's sacking, the hugely experienced coach is excited about working with close pal and new Jags boss Mark Wilson for the first time in football.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
4
Alex Rae left Rangers in February
Credit: Willie Vass
4
Alex Rae and Mark Wilson are teaming up again.
Credit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow
4
Alex Rae was also assistant to Paul Ince at Reading
Credit: PA
Ex-Gers midfielder Rae - almost 40-years as player and coach - didn't hesitate to accept former Celtic star Wilson's invitation to return to the game after his sharp February exit.
And he revealed to SunSport that he's had a 'soft spot' for the Jags since past manager Murdo MacLeod, in charge between 1995-97, granted him training facilities at Firhill at a time of need.
The 55-year-old said: 'Mark contacted me a few weeks ago and asked me for my thoughts.
'I've known him for the best part of 10, 11 years. We've always had a good relationship and I've got a lot of time for him.
'I like the way he goes about things, he's straight-laced, he does things right.
'We started up a charity team which raised a lot of money and through that we got to know each other a lot better.
'So when he got in touch and asked if I'd like to come on board with him I told Mark I'd be delighted.
'Over the last 19-years since I gave up playing, I've took on a lot of challenges.
'Thistle's the exact same, I'm going to enjoy getting my teeth into it. I'll give it my best shot and we'll see where it takes us.
'Me and Mark haven't worked together at a club before.
'We were obviously together at Radio Clyde for many years.
Alex Rae reveals hostile training welcome after flying back late from Rangers v Celtic
'But in terms of the football side, I've been down south doing bits and bobs and had a few jobs up here too.
'I'm very experienced now, it's 19 years since I took my first managerial job at Dundee.
'I've had a great variation of different roles at different levels in different countries.
'Now I go into Thistle and I hope I can help Mark.
'As players, we were both whole-hearted guys.
'What you see with Mark is what you get — he'll put his heart and soul into the job while I'll also give everything I've got.
'Hopefully that transfers through to the players.
'Hopefully, we'll also get a bit of support from everybody else; the backroom staff and obviously the folk above.
'If we get that then we'll have a fighting chance to be competitive on the park.
'It's actually a club I've had a soft spot for a long time.
'When I went to Sunderland I was serving a four-match ban. I needed somewhere to train.
'So I asked my old pal Davie Farrell to ask Murdo MacLeod, the Thistle gaffer at the time, if he'd let me come in for a few training sessions.
'Murdo was kind enough to let me come in and work with the boys.
'I loved Murdo as a player and I've always appreciated his gesture from back then.
'I've got to know him well and he's a lovely man.
'So, it's nice all these years on that I've now got the chance to do my bit for Thistle.'
4
Rae won the title with Rangers in 2005
Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Ex-Dundee and St Mirren boss Rae starred in the Premier League with Wolves and won the title with Rangers in 2005.
The UEFA pro-licence holder's also coached at MK Dons, Notts County, Blackpool, Genk and Reading.
And Rae - also a playing hero at Falkirk, Millwall and Sunderland - added: 'I've only just had one day's training with the players.
'But I'm excited.
'I'm here to support Mark and I've got no qualms about that at all.
'I know the potential of Partick Thistle — and I'd love to enjoy success with Mark here.'
Thistle boss Wilson, meanwhile, has signed keeper Lewis Budinauckas on a one year deal with an option of a further 12-months.
The 23-year-old played for the Jags eight times last season on loan from Rangers, keeping four clean sheets.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Record

25 minutes ago

• Daily Record

How Rangers can halt Celtic juggernaut but fans are right to fret over Champions League

Celtic kick-off their quest for five-in-a-row at home to St Mirren - can anyone stop Brendan Rodgers' champions this season? ANDY NEWPORT: It's hard to know what Rangers will look like come opening day but they're beginning from a standing start while Celtic have a squad that knows how to hit title-winning pace from the off. Celtic are huge favourites again and rightly so. MICHAEL GANNON: Celtic are still the team to beat. They are already in a position of strength and will add to their squad, so it's tough to see Rangers catching them when they are facing another rebuild. SCOTT McDERMOTT: Rangers can - IF they get their house in order quickly and recruitment spot on. Time is against Russell Martin in that regard and Celtic's five-in-a-row juggernaut will be difficult to stop. But if Martin's new-look team can hit the ground running, they can mount a challenge for the title. FRASER WILSON: I would absolutely love to say there's three or four clubs who can but the reality is only Rangers have the potential to go the distance. And even that's going to be a big ask for Russell Martin in his first season given the standing start he has with his squad. It's going to take an incredibly productive transfer window and some magic from the coaching staff. Russell Martin gets down to work with his new Rangers squad on Monday - but are fans right to worry only one new recruit has checked in at Ibrox with their first Champions League clash only a month away? ANDY: The new boss plans on a radical shake up of Gers' playing style and for that to click, every second on the training ground is vital. Rangers really need to get a move on if they're to be anywhere near ready for that multi-million pound clash with Panathinaikos. MICHAEL: They do need to get a shift on. The Champions League qualifiers are coming fast on the horizon and they are well short right now. It might need some patience though. SCOTT: Yes, because they're fans. And in an ideal world, there would have been a few new signings in the door already. It will have to happen fairly quickly and players who are surplus to requirements also have to be moved on. FRASER: Definitely. I'd say that squad requires at least five starters right from centre back through to striker. A new spine basically. Then they need to gel into a unit before taking on a very strong outfit in Panathinaikos. Every session over the next four weeks is going to be massive for Martin and his players. Ibrox chiefs were furious after being fined for John Brown's SFA corruption rant - are they right to be angry? ANDY: Yes. Bomber shouldn't have let rip on RTV but we've seen plenty other remarks on club channels cross the line yet go unpunished. If you sanction one offender, you have to sanction them all. MICHAEL: It all seems a bit of an unnecessary kerfuffle. You can't have club employees calling refs corrupt but a wee slap on the wrist and a reminder to keep club channels semi-sensible would have sufficed. SCOTT: Yes. Rangers were right to point to other remarks on club TV channels which have gone unpunished. Why the SFA have decided to open a can of worms and make an example of Rangers is anyone's guess. FRASER: A bit. It's certainly set a precedent. Brown's comment was naughty and the SFA have to stand up for their refs. But maybe a slap on the wrist would have sufficed. Club TV commentators might now feel the need to rein in their passion. Hibs face Danes Midtjylland in the Europa League second qualifying round while Dundee United take on UNA Strassen of Luxembourg in their Conference League opener - will both progress? ANDY: United really should be taking care of the minnows from the Grand Duchy but the words 'Progres Neiderkorn' are a reminder these ties are never straight forward. Hibs are likely to have a far tougher time against a Midtjylland outfit who have a fantastic track record of unearthing talented gems. MICHAEL: Dundee United should take care of Strassen, even though there could be some nervy moments. Hibs are right up against it. Midtjylland have had better sides in previous years but they are still a top, experienced European team and it could be a big ask. SCOTT: You would expect United to see off a team from Luxembourg, with all due respect. Hibs are in better shape than the Tannadice men but face a far more difficult tie against the Danes. If they can get through that, it would be a huge result for David Gray. FRASER: United have no excuses. Hibs are underdogs but David Gray's squad is pretty much set and just needs an addition or two. Produce a big performance in the first leg in Denmark and it could be Sunshine in Leith time again on July 31. Scotland's other Euro contestants outside the Old Firm need to start bloodying a few noses.

Daily Record

33 minutes ago

• Daily Record

Conor McGregor links up with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers in Ibiza days after 'punch' incident

McGregor has been pictured linking up with Celtic manager Rodgers in Ibiza, just days after the former UFC champion was allegedly involved in a nightclub altercation Conor McGregor has been spotted rubbing shoulders with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers in Ibiza. The UFC star - who previously claimed he has held discussions to become a Celtic shareholder - took to social media on Friday evening to post a photo of himself alongside the Hoops boss, who was cradling a baby in the image. ‌ "LEGENDARY DOUBLE CHAMP LINK UP! NEXT YEAR, TREBLE! GOD IS GREAT! @CelticFC @ufc Congrats to the Rodgers family on the new addition to their family," McGregor captioned the picture on his social media platforms. ‌ This encounter between Rodgers and McGregor occurred shortly after the latter was reportedly involved in a scuffle at an Ibiza nightclub. The Sun published footage early Tuesday from Pacha nightclub, which purportedly shows McGregor leaning down to speak to an unidentified man on the dance floor. Seconds later, the 36 year old seems to launch two punches. Following the incident, the man was seen hitting the ground, prompting witnesses to share their accounts of what transpired. One eyewitness told The Sun that it seemed there were no repercussions for the ex-dual-weight UFC titleholder. "The guy seemed to fall to the floor, and his mates came to pick him up and get him away," they reported to The Sun. "There [didn't appear to be any] consequences for Conor." Another recounted: "About five people fell to the floor as the guy stumbled back. It was a bit like bowling pins, but the guy was really shaken." They continued: "About a minute later, the bouncers came and got him on the back and took him out of the club. ‌ "It was right before close anyway," they added. "There was no messing around; they just removed him. Conor left through the garden a bit later; he didn't look very happy." Since then, McGregor has shared that he was in Ibiza after treating his football teammates to a trip to the Spanish resort. The UFC star has been playing in an over 35's league with his local pub team and celebrated their recent league victory. "To celebrate winning the league I took the @blackforgeinn football squad away on holiday to Ibiza! All expenses paid, VIP's," McGregor posted on social media along with a selection of snaps and clips from their getaway. He elaborated: "LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, BABY! Reach out, link up, join a team! Get active! For the sake of your mental health you will thank yourself! #ibizapartyisland." Three years ago, McGregor stated talks took place with Dermot Desmond about his shares to provide financial backing for the Parkhead side.

BBC News

an hour ago

• BBC News

Scottish gossip: Rangers agree Aarons deal

Rangers are preparing to offer their star midfielder a new deal while getting closer to adding to their squad as Celtic also close in on signings... Rangers have agreed a deal with Bournemouth to sign right-back Max Aarons, 25, on loan. (Sky Sports), externalRangers are preparing to offer in-demand midfielder Nicolas Raskin a new contract (Scottish Sun), Scotland winger Pat Nevin suggests Rangers should cash in on forward Hamza Igamane, 22, this summer. (Record), externalMeanwhile, Rangers have agreed to settle a legal case brought by a finance firm over a fans pre-payment card but Lord Sandison is not yet content to end the action because of a lack of detail. (Sun), externalCeltic are close to completing deals to sign Fulham forward Callum Osmand, 19, and Nordsjaellen winger Benjamin Nygren, 23. (Record), externalHearts are keeping tabs on Millwall and Scotland forward Kevin Nisbet, 28, as a possible alternative to out of contract striker Lawrence Shankland, 29. (AberdeenLive), externalHibernian are still in talks with defender Rocky Bushiri, 25, and winger Junior Hoilett, 35, about staying on at Easter Road. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), externalMeanwhile Hibs will pocket over £1m for Dylan Vente with Dutch club Heerenveen set to make an offer (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), David Martindale said Livingston "were told that if we were getting promoted, we'd need to lift our pitch and replace it" before they secured a return to the SPFL Premiership via the play-offs. (Sun), external