Huge changes at the top for Rangers.
Rangers have sacked CEO Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell, with both executives leaving their positions with immediate effect.
Stewart and Thelwell were heavily criticized following a dismal start to the season for Rangers, which led to the sacking of manager Russell Martin in October.
Martin was dismissed after winning just five of his 17 matches in charge in all competitions. At that point, Rangers were eighth in the Scottish Premiership and had endured the ignominy of failing to qualify for the league stage of this season’s Champions League.
They have since enjoyed a revival in their fortunes domestically under the leadership of Danny Rohl. Rangers are fourth in the Scottish Premiership, nine points behind leaders Hearts and five behind arch-rivals Celtic in second.
But a winless start to the Europa League campaign led to increased scrutiny of Rangers’ transfer activities, and in a statement confirming the departures of Stewart and Thelwell, chairman Andrew Cavenagh made it clear the duo did not fit the club’s vision for the future.
Changes at the top for Rangers
Stewart was appointed last December, while Thelwell took up the role in April.
Cavenagh became chairman after leading the club’s takeover in May as part of a consortium that also included 49ers Enterprises, the commercial arm of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, which also owns Leeds United.
Director Fraser Thornton will act as interim CEO, with Cavenagh and vice-president Paraag Marathe concluding that changes needed to be made.
“We’ve now had six months since we’ve been with Rangers to assess the needs of the club as well as getting to know Patrick and Kev a little more,” Cavenagh said.
“And, simply put, when we think about what we need as both a CEO and an athletic director today, it’s different than what we think Patrick and Kev are.
“We want people who align with the vision for the next chapter.”
“Responsible change is measured and constant. Our first priority has been to improve sporting performance and this led to our decision to part ways with Russell and bring in Danny.
“Danny has now started the process of improving performances on the pitch and this has given us the chance to focus on other parts of the club.”
“Patrick and Kev are both capable executives and have contributed a lot to the club during their tenure. I’m not there and I won’t throw dirt on either of them.
“I think very highly of them, both personally and professionally. It’s just the reality that the club needs different things now than it did six months ago.
“We have already started the recruitment process and hope to have appointments soon, but we will prioritize 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 are very excited about this opportunity to bring new leadership to this great club.”
