Ex-Rangers coach reflects on ‘amazing' return to club as he's spotted back at Ibrox for first time since sacking
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THE brand new era at Rangers is well and truly up and running now.
But a prominent figure from the Light Blues' recent past has been spotted back at Ibrox for the first time since his exit.
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Harry Watling (left) was part of Michael Beale's Rangers coaching staff
Credit: Willie Vass
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Watling with Rangers star Findlay Curtis
Credit: Willie Vass
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He's now working under Rob Edwards at Middlesbrough
Credit: PA
Having seen-off Panathinaikos in last Tuesday's crunch opening Champions League qualifier, Rangers were back in friendly action on Saturday.
Russell Martin's side welcomed English Championship outfit Middlesbrough to Govan for their final friendly clash of the summer.
The Gers boss was able to give a number of squad players minutes but they failed to really stake a claim as they fell 2-0 down.
Goals from Danilo and Findlay Curtis levelled things up as the entertaining clash finished 2-2.
It's a new era for Boro too with Rob Edwards now in charge.
The former Luton boss, whose name was linked to the Rangers vacancy at one point in time, has replaced Michael Carrick as boss.
Alongside Edwards in the dugout at Ibrox on Saturday was a familiar face.
Harry Watling previously worked as first team coach at Rangers and is now an assistant at Boro.
Watling, 35, was a key part of Michael Beale's staff at the Light Blues during his rather ill-fated spell as boss.
He'd previously worked with him at QPR.
Russell Martin opens up after he got sent off by John Beaton in pre-season friendly vs 'Boro
When Beale was sacked as manager in October 2023, his entire coaching staff was also dismissed, including Watling.
That decision came after a horror start to the 2023/24 season.
After leaving Ibrox, Watling landed the managerial role at Ebbsfleet United in September in 2024 but departed after only three months after one win in 13.
He returned to football last month when he landed the key role alongside Edwards at Boro.
Saturday's friendly clash offered Watling the first chance to return to Ibrox since his dismissal.
And it's fair to say he enjoyed it.
On Instagram, Watling said: "It was amazing to go back to Ibrox for the first time again yesterday.
"A huge shout-out to the 8,000 @theboroofficial fans who made it electric.
"So nice to see some old faces too from staff to players.
"Thank you to everyone for making it such a warm welcome back.
"Excited to begin another huge season."
Middlesbrough face local rivals Hartlepool away from home in a friendly this Wednesday before taking on Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna at home on Saturday.
The real stuff starts for them the following weekend with a home clash against Swansea to open the Championship season.
For Rangers, the real stuff has of course already started.
The Gers head to Athens to take on Panathinaikos in the second leg of their Champions League second round qualifier on Wednesday.
Then on Saturday, the Scottish Premiership gets underway as the Gers head to Motherwell in the evening TV game.
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