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Rangers have moved swiftly to overhaul their leadership structure after dismissing chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell with immediate effect. The club confirmed the pair’s departures on Monday, stating the outgoing executives “do not align with their vision for the next chapter”.
Both Stewart and Thelwell had come under heavy scrutiny from supporters following a stuttering start to the campaign that culminated in Russell Martin’s sacking in October after only 17 matches in charge. Stewart, formerly Manchester United’s chief executive, had only taken up his role at Ibrox in December, while Thelwell officially started in the summer after leaving Everton.
The decision comes in the wake of a takeover led by US-based businessman Andrew Cavenagh, whose consortium finalised control earlier this year. Cavenagh has now installed club director Fraser Thornton as interim chief executive while the hunt begins for permanent replacements.
On the pitch, Rangers had languished in eighth place, 11 points behind leaders Hearts, and failed to reach the Champions League league stage at the time of Martin’s dismissal. Danny Rohl’s arrival has stabilised domestic form, lifting the club to fourth and cutting the gap slightly, but four consecutive Europa League defeats have continued to fuel criticism of the summer’s recruitment strategy.
Cavenagh stressed there was no ill will in the decision to part ways with the two senior figures. “Patrick and Kev are both skilled executives and have delivered a lot for the club in their time with it,” he said. “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."
Cavenagh also confirmed that Rohl “will continue to have all the support that he needs” as the new manager seeks to further revive Rangers’ season.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Winston Tjia
