Purdy steps down as Rangers Technical Director after 15 months

Thelwell was sacked after six months in November 2025 and is now Elite Coach Developer at the FA. Purdy stayed on and led recruitment through a summer transfer window in which Rangers made 14 signings and let 19 players go.

TGG understands the decision to leave was Purdy’s own. He will complete a handover and continue to work for the wider ownership group in the short term before assessing his options.

A club statement said: “Dan will continue to work with the club’s ownership group, supporting the transition and other football projects. The board would like to thank Dan for his commitment and contribution during his time at Rangers and wishes him every success for the future.”

Rangers had already decided against appointing a new Sporting Director. In a letter to supporters in March, Cavenagh wrote: “We believe our current football structure is working well and we do not plan to hire a Sporting Director. The executive team is committed to being smaller, nimbler and more entrepreneurial.”

Rangers have not stated whether Purdy will be replaced. Recruitment now falls on the existing executive structure, which includes Cavenagh, Paraag Marathe, Chief Executive Jim Gillespie and Performance Director Stig Inge Bjørnebye, the former Liverpool defender and Rosenborg Sporting Director.

They will work closely with Head Coach Derek McInnes, who joined from Hearts in June. Rangers have faced sustained criticism of their recruitment since the takeover, although the club’s view is that Purdy leaves behind a squad capable of competing for trophies.

Purdy spent more than a decade at Everton, starting as a performance analysis intern in 2014 and progressing through technical scouting roles to become Head of Recruitment. He resigned in 2021 during the power struggle between Director of Football Marcel Brands and Manager Rafa Benítez, but was persuaded to return three months later by Thelwell, Brands’ successor.

When he joined Rangers, the club said he would “lead on all aspects” of recruitment and talent identification across the men’s, women’s and Academy teams, replacing Nils Koppen, who had been in post for 18 months.