Rangers dismiss CEO and sporting director amid strategic overhaul | OneFootball

Rangers have dismissed chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell with immediate effect, signalling another major shift behind the scenes at Ibrox as the club’s new hierarchy pushes forward with what it calls a “vision for the next chapter,” as reported by BBC Sport.

Stewart, formerly of Manchester United, had been in post for less than a year, while Thelwell only formally began his duties in the summer after leaving Everton. Both had faced mounting criticism from supporters following a disjointed start to the campaign that resulted in Russell Martin’s sacking after just 17 matches.

The departures mark the most dramatic intervention yet from the US-based consortium led by chairman Andrew Cavenagh, which completed its takeover earlier this year. Fraser Thornton will assume interim chief executive responsibilities as the club moves quickly to identify replacements.

Cavenagh, explaining the decision, said Rangers required leadership “aligned with where we need to go”, adding: “Patrick and Kev are good people and talented executives, but our needs today are different to what they were six months ago.”

On the pitch, Rangers have climbed to fourth under new manager Danny Rohl, but remain nine points off leaders Hearts and have lost all four Europa League group matches. Their summer recruitment, at a cost of more than £30m, has come under particular scrutiny, with several high-profile signings yet to make an impact.

Despite insisting the decision was not driven by supporter pressure, Cavenagh acknowledged the need to “bring in fresh leadership” and confirmed Rohl would continue to receive “all the support he needs”.

The club has begun the search for a new CEO and sporting director, though Cavenagh stressed Rangers would prioritise “quality and fit over speed” as the latest chapter of significant change at Ibrox unfolds.

GFN | Finn Entwistle