Tomorrow morning on the Rangers Review you can read the first of a two-part exclusive interview with first-team coach Neil Banfield.

During part one of a wide-ranging conversation, the vastly experienced coach discusses his 21 years working at Arsenal, time spent as Arsene Wenger's first-team coach, spell at QPR and journey alongside Michael Beale to Rangers.

In part two, released on Wednesday morning, Banfield dives into the detail of working with Wenger at the elite curve of football and coaching the likes of Mesut Ozil, Robin van Persie, Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and more.

During the interview, Banfield discusses a wide range of topics such as: 

  • Scouting Michael Beale as a young left-winger
  • Working with Arsene Wenger and becoming Arsenal's first-team coach
  • Coaching the likes of Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and more
  • The harsh reality of leaving Arsenal after 21 years
  • Mark Warburton's job offer at QPR
  • Suffering a triple heart bypass 
  • Scouting for Steven Gerrard and helping identify Joe Aribo
  • Reconnecting with Beale at QPR 
  • Why Beale couldn't turn down Rangers
  • Beale's 'steel and style' philosophy and what makes his coaching so effective

You can read a segment of tomorrow's piece below.

What is it that makes Beale’s coaching so good? Enjoyable sessions, intensity, clarity?

“The enjoyable thing…,” Banfield pauses, unconvinced that word encompasses the whole picture.

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“That’s relative because it’s proper work. Everyone can make a session enjoyable but Mick’s sessions are proper work and sometimes that’s not enjoyable.

“He coaches properly, there’s no fluff and it’s right to the point. His attention to detail and vision of what he wants to do is very clear. It’s demanding working with him but you’re clear about what you have to do and what he wants to achieve.

“It’s very similar to Arsene, there’s not massive messages but clear instructions. You know where you stand and what you have to get on with.

“There’s a real message in his training. It’s very thoughtful and diligent. He never switches off either, not that I’ve seen. He might have a day and then all of a sudden you get a text and he’s looking at data or something coming through. He’s a football obsessive.”

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