Rangers sack Sporting Director Thelwell after six months

However, the Sporting Director has now been sacked, along with Chief Executive Patrick Stewart, with Chairman Andrew Cavenagh saying, “The club needs different things today than it did six months ago.”

Cavenagh and Vice Chairman Paraag Marathe have already started the search process for replacements and Director Fraser Thornton has been named Interim CEO of the club in the mean time.

Rangers have endured a very difficult start to the season, with Russell Martin sacked after just 123 days as Head Coach in October. Danny Rohl came in and has restored some stability, with four league wins on the bounce, but the Board have nevertheless decided it is time for change. 

Thelwell had been instigating significant change on the football side since his arrival, bringing in several of his former colleagues to senior positions. Dan Purdy, with whom he had worked at Everton, came in as Technical Director in the summer.

Thelwell’s son, Robbie, then arrived from Norwich City as Head of Recruitment, while Jon Hunter-Barrett, with whom Thelwell Snr had worked at Wolves, was recently appointed Academy Manager.

All three will remain in place despite Thelwell’s sacking, TGG understands.

In a statement, Cavenagh said: “Responsible change is measured and steady. Our first priority has been to improve the sporting performance, and that led to our decision to part ways with Russell and bring in Danny.

“Danny has now started the process of improving his performance and that has given us the chance to focus on other parts of the club. Patrick and Kevin are both skilled executives and have delivered a lot for the club in their time with it. 

“We’ve now had six months since we became part of Rangers to assess the club’s needs as well as to get to know Patrick and Kevin a bit more.

“Simply put, when we think about what we need in both CEO and Sporting Director today, it’s different than who we think Patrick and Kevin are. We want people who align with the vision for the next chapter.

“I will not throw dirt on either of them. I think very highly of them both on personal and professional levels. It’s just the reality that the club needs different things today than it did six months ago.

“We have already started the hiring process and hope to have appointments soon, but we will prioritise quality and fit over speed.

“I want to reassure our supporters that Danny will continue to have all the support that he needs. In the interim, Fraser Thornton, our director, will be assuming the duties as acting CEO.

“Change like this is always painful, especially when it involves people we care about. But at the same time, we’re very excited about this opportunity to bring in fresh leadership to this great club. We appreciate everyone’s continued support and I’m happy to answer any questions.”

Thelwell was our guest on Episode 57 of the TGG Podcast. During his time at Everton, the club generated £226m of transfer income while spending only £145m on the team during six windows – and maintained their Premier League status.

Rangers had not previously had a Sporting Director since Ross Wilson – now in the same role at Nottingham Forest – left the club in April 2023.