Scottish football club Rangers has dismissed chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell following a tumultuous start to the season. The decision comes after the team secured only one victory in their first eight league matches and faced seven consecutive defeats in European competitions, a situation exacerbated by a summer recruitment drive that received widespread criticism from fans.
Since the appointment of Danny Röhl as the new manager, replacing Russell Martin, there has been a noticeable improvement in Rangers’ domestic performance. Nevertheless, the club’s American ownership, led by chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Parag Marathe, decided to take decisive action regarding the leadership structure at Ibrox.
Leadership Changes at Ibrox
In a statement released on Monday, Cavenagh confirmed the departures of Stewart and Thelwell, emphasizing the need for change in order to align with the club’s future vision. He stated, “Responsible change is measured and steady. Our first priority has been to improve sporting performance, and that led to our decision to part ways with Russell Martin and bring in Danny Röhl.”
Cavenagh acknowledged the contributions of both men, noting, “Patrick and Kev are both skilled executives and have delivered a lot for the club during their time with it.” He explained that after six months of assessing the club’s needs post-takeover, the leadership identified a requirement for different capabilities in the roles of CEO and sporting director.
“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,” Cavenagh added. He reassured supporters that the hiring process for their replacements is already underway, with a focus on finding individuals who align with the vision for the next chapter of the club. He stressed, “We will prioritise quality and fit over speed.”
Context of the Dismissals
Stewart has been with Rangers for exactly one year, while Thelwell’s tenure began in April, shortly before the American takeover was finalized. Thelwell’s time at Ibrox was notably marked by the appointment of Martin, who became the club’s shortest-serving permanent manager, dismissed after just 17 games in charge.
As the club navigates this transition, Fraser Thornton, a director at Rangers, will assume the responsibilities of acting CEO. Cavenagh expressed the emotional weight of such changes, stating, “Change like this is always painful, especially when it involves people we care about.” He concluded by expressing optimism for the future, highlighting the potential for new leadership to rejuvenate the club.
The developments at Rangers reflect a broader trend in professional sports, where management changes are often seen as necessary responses to performance issues. As the team looks to improve its standings both domestically and in Europe, the upcoming appointments will be pivotal in shaping the club’s direction.
