Who is Andries Ulderink? Incoming Rangers coach is a published author with Ajax credentials

Andries Ulderink is set to become the latest addition to the Rangers coaching staff, but his story isn't the typical tale of the average backroom man.

To date, Philippe Clement has relied on guys with a deep grounding in all things Ibrox to back him up in the dugout. Alex Rae has been by his side since he arrived in Glasgow, while Steven Davis lent his expertise following a brief spell in caretaker charge. But with the majority of a campaign now under his belt and increased pressure to sustain a title challenge all the way after a late falter, Clement has turned to a more familiar name to him in order to beef up the coaching know how.

Experienced Dutchman Ulderink, who was in the running for the NAC Breda job towards the end of last season, will be a fresh face and voice around Auchenhowie ahead of the 2024/25 Premiership campaign getting underway. He's enjoyed a varied career so far with just a brief stint in British football, which begs the question...

Who is Andries Ulderink?

Right-hand man to Mark van Bommel at Royal Antwerp for the last two seasons, 54-year-old Ulderink has only ever really known coaching. His playing career never advanced beyond regional amateur level, and he dived straight into coaching at what he describes as 'an early stage in my career.' That's underselling it - he was manager of Aalten ZSV in the fifth tier by the time he was 25 in 1994

Various coaching, management and scouting roles at youth and senior level followed as he plied his trade. He held a few different positions at Ajax and Jong Ajax (the B-team), which was where he met Jap Staam - who he followed to Reading to be his assistant in 2016.

Manchester United hero Stam said of Ulderink: "I spoke to him about his philosophy, what he wanted to do and it clicked. He has got a lot of experience in coaching, managing, making schedules and everything. That was what I needed; you do not always need to be a professional player to do well in a certain league.”

After they parted ways in 2018, Ulderink had a stint in charge of Ajax Cape Town, before spending a season with Twente. Then it was to Antwerp, where he and Van Bommel have just left after their respective contracts expired. He said on social media in April he wasn't sure where his next move would take him.

He's a published author

Well, a sort of. Ulderniek is one of three writers credited on the catchily-titled 'Dutch Academy Football Coaching (U14-15) - Functional Training & Tactical Practices from Top Dutch Coaches.' It's available to buy at Waterstones for the bargain price of £24.95.

Possession based football

Clement has had his critics for his direct style of play at times, but it seems Ulderink would bring the counterbalance. Speaking to the Tilehurst End Podcast in the weary days of April 2020, Ulderink discussed the style of football he and Stam attempted to implement at Reading - and to mixed success in an English Championship that wasn't quite ready for it.

He said: "Football in England has developed with managers like Guardiola and Klopp. I remember a time when Fulham played great possession-based football. In the time we arrived, the old-fashioned English football, kick and rush, you saw it develop very nicely."

So what does it mean for Rangers?

Ulderink coming in won't put any of the existing coaching team at risk, with Rae, Brian Gilmour and Colin Stewart set to continue in their current roles. There's been nothing yet on the futures of Steven Smith or Stephan van der Heyden - though the Belgian was a recruit of Clement's so would seem likely to stay.