Rangers fire CEO Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell amid leadership overhaul

Rangers have dismissed chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell with immediate effect, as the club undergoes a leadership rethink under its new owners. The move signals a clear shift in direction at Ibrox, with backers eager to align staff with the club’s evolving vision.

What happened

In a brief club statement, Rangers said Stewart and Thelwell were no longer aligned with the organisation’s plans for its next chapter. Interim chief executive Fraser Thornton has been appointed to oversee the transition while the search for permanent replacements continues.

Background and context

Stewart, who previously spent 18 years rising through Manchester United’s ranks, took over as chairman in December. Thelwell joined from Everton in the spring but did not start until the end of the season. The leadership shake-up follows a challenging period for the club, including a dismal domestic start and a controversial summer of recruitment.

Leadership shift and next steps

Rangers’ new owners, led by Andrew Cavenagh, have begun a formal process to fill the roles of chief executive and sporting director, emphasising finding candidates who fit a refreshed long-term plan. Cavenagh explained that the club’s needs have evolved and that the recruitment will prioritise quality and cultural alignment over speed. Danny Rohl remains at the helm of the dugout, working to improve on-pitch performance while the off-field structure is retooled.

On-field context

Under Rohl, Rangers have shown domestic improvement, climbing to fourth in the Premiership and closing the gap on the league leaders, but European results have been disappointing, with four straight Europa League defeats weighing on the season’s narrative. Critics have questioned some of the summer signings and overall recruitment strategy overseen by Thelwell.

Impact and outlook

The departures create a leadership vacuum as the club pursues a longer-term plan. The interim leadership will prioritise securing high-calibre executives whose vision aligns with the club’s ambitions. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the new leadership reshapes transfer strategy and team-building efforts.

Key Takeaways

• US-backed owners initiate a top-level leadership reset at Rangers.
• Club focuses on aligning executives with the next chapter and long-term strategy.
• On-field improvements under Danny Rohl contrasted by underwhelming European results.
• Significant spending under Kevin Thelwell comes under scrutiny as part of the shake-up.

Expert comment

"This move signals a strategic pivot toward leadership that fits the club’s broader, long-term goals. It also places emphasis on rebuilding the recruitment approach to deliver sustainable success."

Summary

The dismissal of Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell marks a bold shift in Rangers’ leadership as new owners reassess the club’s direction. While Danny Rohl continues to steer on the field, the focus now turns to securing two new executives who can execute a cohesive, future-facing plan. The interim leadership will drive the transition while the search for permanent replacements gains pace, with a renewed emphasis on quality, fit, and stability.

Key insight: Rangers are pursuing a leadership refresh to align the club with its next chapter, signaling a strategic shift as they rebuild both the front office and squad. Source: BBC

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