Former professional footballer Ryan-Zico Black has joined Rangers under 18 coaching
team, returning to the club he played two seasons for after returning to Guernsey.

Zico, who has played more than 200 games for Guernsey FC, will become head coach. Colin Fallaize will remain in the under 18 set up, working alongside Zico.

‘We’re delighted to welcome Zico back to Rangers but this time in a coaching role. His experience as a player and as a coach will be invaluable as we continue to build on the ongoing success of the under 18 squad.

Colin Fallaize has been instrumental in taking us to the point where we are second in the league and challenging for the title and we hope that his knowledge of the team and experience together with Zico’s unquestionable talent and expertise will be a winning combination,’ said Rangers president Jono Robilliard.

Max Wall has decided to step away as under 18 assistant coach due to work commitments, following which the club reviewed its coaching set up to prepare for the long term as well as the rest of this season. We would like to thank Max for his hard work and commitment over the past 18 months.

Under Colin, several promising under 18 players have joined the club, allowing the squad to grow to 24 players, making Rangers more competitive at this level and providing a healthy supply of youngsters into our senior teams.

Colin said he was looking forward to working with Zico to continue the development project started by the club 18 months ago.

‘This is brilliant news for Rangers and for the under 18 squad. I’m looking forward to working alongside Zico and building on what has been achieved so far. I know the players will be excited to learn from someone who has played professionally and at the highest level local and who was recently appointed to lead our island senior team,’ said Fallaize.

Zico was appointed joint island manager with fellow GFC stalwart Dave Merris in November last year and over the past year has been building up his football coaching business, Zico Football Coaching, which runs individual and group sessions as well as holiday camps. He will continue both roles alongside his commitment to Rangers.

‘There is something really special about football in a small community like Guernsey and I am delighted to have the chance to coach the next generation of players coming through and see them in action. So much has changed at Rangers over the past few years and I am excited at what the future holds for the club and looking forward to getting stuck in and working with Colin to get the best from this under 18 squad,’ said Zico.

Zico is expected to meet the players ahead of Sunday’s game against St Martin’s.