FOR Jim Stewart, it is a case of like father, like sons. Where he led, three – including one at Rangers – are now following.

Stewart Snr spent ten years at Ibrox nurturing the next generation of goalkeepers and improving the current crop that were under his guidance. The successes, both individually and collectively, were plentiful.

He had been there, done it and got the gloves but the arrival of Pedro Caixinha last year marked the beginning of the end. As fate would have it, it would ultimately clear the way for one of his nearest and dearest to assume his position.

Read more: Allan McGregor will be a key part of Steven Gerrard's Rangers blueprint, says former Ibrox keeper coach Jim Stewart

When the Portuguese boss was sacked in October, it was to Stewart’ son, Colin, that Graeme Murty turned as he put in place the backroom staff to help him through the campaign, and potentially into the dugout on a permanent basis.

History, of course, tells a different story. Jimmy Nicholl and Jonatan Johansson were not retained at the end of an ultimately lamentable season, while Murty returned to his role with the Under-20s after being relieved of his first team duties.

The tale has a happier ending for Stewart, though. As Gary McAllister, Michael Beale, Tom Culshaw and Jordan Milsom followed Steven Gerrard from Liverpool to Glasgow, the 38-year-old was given the chance to remain in Light Blue.

“I spoke to Colin during that period and there is always an uncertainty when the manager changes,” Jim Stewart told SportTimes.

“With Steven coming in, he had to wait to see what was going to happen and when he got word the manager was happy to carry on with him in place, it was a major boost to his confidence.

“The chance to work with the new management team, and be permanent rather than in a temporary capacity, that certainly helps.

Read more: Allan McGregor will be a key part of Steven Gerrard's Rangers blueprint, says former Ibrox keeper coach Jim Stewart

“He has been around the club for a couple of years now after being brought in to deal with the Academy side of things and develop the likes of Robby McCrorie and the other young goalkeepers.

“So he was well schooled in that side of it but to get that boost from the manager meant a lot to him. He has the opportunity to work at a massive club, with new staff, new players and top keepers as well.”

The move into coaching was the obvious one for Colin to make towards the end of a playing career that saw him turn out for the likes of Partick Thistle, Livingston and Morton.

A stint within the youth structure at the Hummel Training Centre has proven to be the foundation upon which he has established his credentials.

Now he is following in his father’s footsteps as he looks to play his part in bringing success back to Ibrox alongside Gerrard and his new backroom staff.

“As a parent, you are always looking to see your kids in good jobs and having good opportunities and I look at it and think ‘good on you’,” Stewart Snr said.

“I had obviously been there for a number of years and my other two sons are involved in goalkeeping coaching as well, so it is not just Colin. We have a goalkeeping school that Ross runs and Fraser is with the SFA so there is lots going on in the family.

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“I think the biggest thing for Colin for was going in there and seeing how the job was done while I was there and he is always learning. He is bright enough to put his own spin on things and he knows the requirements of the goalkeepers at that level.

“At the end of the day, he knows what he is looking for in the job but if he has got a question to ask then he will ask. I am only too willing to help him from my side of it.

“Having been involved there for a number of years, there will be things that he will come across that I can maybe help him with.”

It was Stewart that tutored the likes of Allan McGregor and Neil Alexander during Walter Smith’s successful second spell at Ibrox but there were as many lows as there were highs in the years that followed.

Titles were won under Ally McCoist and then Mark Warburton, whom he followed to Nottingham Forest alongside David Weir. Since then, the 64-year-old has watched on from afar as Rangers’ fortunes have fluctuated.

“To get the chance to work with someone of Steven’s reputation is great for Colin, and Gary McAllister is obviously there as well,” Stewart said.

“The club have looked at things and decided to put the management team in place and we are all the same, we hope that Rangers can move on and there is some sort of stability and competitiveness about them again.

“The manager and staff will know this as much as I do, the biggest thing is results. That is how you are judged at Rangers.

“If you can get a good grounding and you have a good atmosphere around the dressing room then you are well on your way to getting the level of success that you require at Rangers.”

Stewart may now be at arm’s length from the keepers at Rangers but he is always on the other end of the phone for those that need his advice.

Read more: Allan McGregor will be a key part of Steven Gerrard's Rangers blueprint, says former Ibrox keeper coach Jim Stewart

He served his clubs and his country with distinction throughout his career. Now in the twilight of it, he has a chance to shape Scotland’s future once again.

“I have actually gone full circle,” Stewart said. “I have been involved with the coach education programme with the SFA for a number of years and with Fraser being in house as goalkeeper coordinator, he has asked me to get involved with some of the younger age groups. I have really enjoyed it.

“I have been working with the Victory Shield group and there are a number of young goalkeepers there that I am looking forward to seeing how they progress.

“It is good to have something that keeps you involved because the last thing you want to do is sit in the house all day.

“I have always been used to being active and involved in things and there is always someone phoning for a bit of advice.

“The goalie coaches in Scotland are a close community and are always asking for a bit of help or a recommendation for someone. That is not a problem.”