THE doors of Cliftonhill shut behind Todd Lumsden as he left Albion Rovers under a cloud in May.

Now the crested blue gates of Murray Park have opened for him and a new opportunity has presented itself to the 35-year-old.

Just weeks on from being told he was not being kept on as Rovers boss, that decision coming just days after he was assured his job was safe for this season, Lumsden is tackling a fresh challenge.

He faced a season out of the game following his departure from the SPFL League Two club but an offer from the blue has given him an unexpected route back and a coaching position working with Rangers' Under-17s squad.

He is combining life at Murray Park with his role as curriculum manager at Cumbernauld College, overseeing a range of courses to help youngsters realise their sporting dreams.

And the former Hamilton Accies and Raith Rovers defender is determined to make the most of his Gers gig.

"When I left Albion, people kept asking me: 'Are you going to get back in the game'?" Lumsden told SportTimes.

"But you can only get back in if you get an opportunity. This is a fantastic opportunity. When you get asked to coach at Rangers, not many people will say no.

"I got a call asking if I was interested. I met with Jimmy Sinclair and Billy Kirkwood and I couldn't turn it down.

"I might get a mixed reception from the students at college now! Working at a club like this can only develop what we have got at the college, though.

"It was a quick year for me at Albion and I learned a lot. The opportunity to stay was given to me then taken away.

"I will wait and see if that chance ever arises again. I wouldn't be at Rangers if I was still at Albion.

"Everything in life happens for a reason. You never know what might happen. I am getting my feet in the door, so hopefully I can do well for Rangers."

The surroundings in which Lumsden now finds himself working may be somewhat different from those in which he cut his managerial teeth, but his work ethic and ethos remains the same.

He has joined an experienced coaching set-up, overseen by head of youth development Sinclair, that has produced a plethora of players in recent years from the Auchenhowie base.

The kids under Lumsden's wing may be a couple of steps from first-team action, but the building blocks are already in place for potential stars of the future.

Lumsden said: "It is good to have a route of development and a process there for us to develop themes and a style of play. It is very well-structured and planned.

"Hopefully, by the time the players pass through the academy they are ready for the first-team setup.

"We talk a lot about mentality, you need that to play for a club like Rangers.

"They need to be able to handle where they are and have the belief that they can move through the levels to the first team.

"There are a lot of technically-gifted players at Rangers. We need to continue producing them while adding that bit of flair to give you a tricky winger or creative midfielder.

"We are always looking to improve the players and develop them. The only way you get better is practice.

"Certain players will have better basic co-ordination, but if you keep working at it, it does become second nature."

Having seen the likes of Lewis Macleod and Chris Hegarty make the progression from promising talents to first-team stars, the route to Rangers glory is clearly visible for the next crop of hopefuls.

And Lumsden reckons the introduction of the SPFL Under-20 league will give budding Light Blues the perfect platform from which to build.

He said: "Hopefully, that will allow the players to bridge the gap as they look to make that step up. The main thing is playing competitive games.

"If you are playing competitive football, that is as close to first-team action as possible. It will allow you to make the step up easier."