Rangers have embarked on a major restructure of their senior management team after sacking chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell.
The shock move comes amid a poor start to the season for the Ibrox club which saw Russell Martin dismissed after barely four months in charge.
Former Manchester United CEO Stewart came to Govan in December with Thelwell arriving in the summer. They have been criticised by fans unhappy at the club’s signing policy, while the pair also came in for flak after being involved in the search for Martin’s successor – Danny Rohl eventually being handed the job after unsuccessful attempts to appoint Steven Gerrard and Kevin Muscat.
The pair have left Rangers with immediate effect, with director Fraser Thornton stepping in as acting CEO.
Thelwell appointed his son Robbie as head of recruitment, though it’s understood the former Norwich scout will stay in his post.
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh said: “Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell are leaving Rangers Football Club.
“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 the on-pitch performance, and that has given us the chance to focus on other parts of the club.
“Patrick and Kev 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 get to know Patrick and Kev 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 Kev are.
“We want people that align with the vision for the next chapter.”
He added: “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’ve 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.”
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