The sports director joins Rangers from Everton and will take on additional responsibilities as the club’s future manager.
Kevin Thelwell has apparently been assigned a responsibility as part of the Rangers’ search for a new manager.
The Light Blues are speeding up their search for a permanent successor to Phillipe Clement now that Barry Ferguson’s temporary tenure has ended. Davide Ancelotti, Steven Gerrard, Russell Martin, and Brian Priske have all been connected, with Kevin Thelwell joining from Everton as sporting director.
There is also a buyout in the pipeline, with 49ers Enterprises expected to acquire control of Ibrox. Thelwell, along with a prominent 49ers member, Gretar Steinsson, and CEO Patrick Stewart, are thought to be leading the search for a new management. However, the new sporting director will be requested to face the media alongside whoever takes over the position.
Kevin Thewell has additional next Rangers manager task
According to the Daily Mail, Rangers have held conversations with former Feyenoord manager Brian Priske about the managerial vacancy at Ibrox. Priske is one of several candidates under consideration, including Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti. Russell Martin had also been approached, but he is now poised to join Leicester City in the coming days.
“Rangers are expected to step up their search for a new manager over the coming days and the recruitment process is now thought to be in the final stages, with new sporting director Kevin Thelwell free to take up his duties at Ibrox following the conclusion of the English Premier League season yesterday afternoon. Rangers will ideally look to formally present Thelwell alongside the new manager, with chief executive Patrick Stewart and Gretar Steinsson of 49ers Enterprises also handling the recruitment process.”
What Kevin Thelwell’s role is at Rangers
The Light Blues have already earmarked the type of roles Thelwell will be carrying out at Rangers. A statement read: “Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Kevin Thelwell as Sporting Director. Thelwell, 51, will join the Light Blues from Everton following the expiry of his contract with the Toffees. The appointment of a Sporting Director at Rangers was made a priority in the Football Review, which was instigated at the beginning of the year. Thelwell will assume overall responsibility for all areas of the football operation, including men’s, women’s and academy.
“Thelwell’s journey in the professional game began as Director of Youth at Preston North End, before taking on Academy Manager roles at Derby County, and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively. In 2016, Thelwell was appointed Sporting Director at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he was responsible for all areas of football operations, including player recruitment, performance, medical, analysis, and the academy.
“He then moved to the United States to become Head of Sport at New York Red Bulls, overseeing the sporting strategy and operations across their MLS team and affiliated clubs. In 2022, he returned to England to take up the role of Director of Football at Everton, leading on first-team recruitment, academy development, and the implementation of the club’s overall football strategy.”
