Rangers axe CEO Stewart & sporting director Thelwell

Γνώμη/Editorial • Από: PROBET Editorial • Δημοσιεύτηκε: 24/11/2025 12:04

Rangers axe CEO Stewart & sporting director Thelwell

Rangers have removed chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell from their posts with immediate effect, with the Scottish Premiership club suggesting they do not "align with" their "vision for the next chapter".

Both had come under fire from supporters following a poor start to the season that led to Russell Martin's dismissal in October after just 17 games as head coach.

Former Manchester United chief executive Stewart only arrived at Ibrox in December, while Thelwell's appointment was announced in April, although he did not take up post until leaving Everton at the end of last season.

Rangers have since been subject of a takeover from a US-based consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh, who has now appointed director Fraser Thornton as interim chief executive while replacements are found.

"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 Kev a bit more," the chairman said in a club statement.

"And, 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 Kev are.

"We want people that align with the vision for the next chapter."

'Nancy poised for December start with Celtic' - gossip
Why were Livingston denied 'clear, clear penalty' against Rangers?
Ragged Rangers edge out Livingston for controversial win

Rangers were sitting eighth in the Scottish Premiership, 11 points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian, and had failed to qualify for the Champions League when former Southampton boss Martin was axed.

They have narrowed the gap to nine domestically under new team boss Danny Rohl and are up to fourth but have now lost all four Europa League games, the latest two under the German, amid criticism of their summer transfer business.

"Responsible change is measured and steady," Cavanagh said. "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 the on-pitch performance and that has given us the chance to focus on other parts of the club."

Stewart took over as chairman in December after 18 years at Old Trafford, rising to become United's chief executive, having spent five years previously with Uefa's Champions League commercial agency.

He was also appointed to the Scottish Professional Football League board five months ago.

Thelwell joined Rangers after three years as Everton's director of football, having previously been head of sport for Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls.

"Patrick and Kev are both skilled executives and have delivered a lot for the club in their time with it," Cavenagh said. "I am not here and 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.

"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."

Cavanagh added that Rohl "will continue to have all the support that he needs".

More to follow.