Rangers Sack CEO Patrick Stewart, Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell

Rangers Football Club has announced that it has parted company with both its chief executive, Patrick Stewart, and its sporting director, Kevin Thelwell, marking a major shift in the club’s leadership structure amid a challenging season.

The decision was confirmed in a brief club statement released on Monday, with Rangers thanking the departing executives for their service while outlining interim plans as the search for permanent replacements begins.

Chairman Andrew Cavenagh, supported by vice-chairman Paraag Marathe, described the changes as part of a broader effort to realign the club with a long-term strategic vision following a period of extensive internal review. He emphasised that the move was not a reactionary dismissal but a considered step taken after months of assessment under new ownership.

“Responsible change is measured and steady,” Cavenagh said, explaining that the new board had spent its first six months understanding the club’s operations, values, and ambitions before making structural adjustments.

He noted that stabilising the team’s sporting performance under new manager Danny Röhl had now allowed the board to turn its attention to the executive level. “Danny has started the process of improving the on-pitch performance, and that has given us the chance to focus on other parts of the club.”

Cavenagh went on to clarify that Stewart and Thelwell were respected figures whose departures should not be interpreted as personal failings. “Patrick and Kev are both skilled executives and have delivered a lot for the club in their time with it,” he said. “But 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.”

He stressed that the decision reflected the club’s evolving priorities, adding that Rangers is looking for leaders who can align precisely with its “vision for the next chapter.”

Stewart joined Rangers in December 2024 after leaving Manchester United, taking charge at a time of significant transition. His tenure oversaw managerial changes, squad restructuring, and growing tension with fans who felt the club lacked a coherent direction.

Thelwell, who signed from Everton earlier this year, had been responsible for football operations, including recruitment, scouting, long-term planning, and the oversight of the summer transfer window.

However, their time at Ibrox coincided with growing frustration among supporters. Fans were dissatisfied with the club’s recruitment strategy, which included a series of high-profile but ultimately underwhelming signings.

The appointment of Russell Martin as manager became a major flashpoint. Martin, brought in under Stewart and Thelwell, lasted only 123 days before being dismissed – one of the shortest managerial spells in the club’s modern history. His exit damaged fan trust further and intensified scrutiny on the pair.

Recruitment decisions also raised internal questions. Thelwell’s summer transfer activity, which included significant spending, drew criticism from those who felt the squad lacked balance and direction.

Concerns emerged over staffing as well, with reports suggesting that Thelwell had brought in several familiar colleagues, including his son, to roles within the recruitment department. This fueled debate about governance and whether the club’s structure truly served its long-term interests.

Despite the criticism, Cavenagh maintained a diplomatic stance on their departure. “I will not throw dirt on either of them. I think very highly of them both on personal and professional levels,” he said. “It’s just the reality that the club needs different things today than it did six months ago.”

Director Fraser Thornton has been appointed acting chief executive as Rangers begin the process of identifying long-term replacements for both roles. Cavenagh stated that while the club hopes to make appointments soon, it will not rush the process. “We’ve already started the hiring process and hope to have appointments soon, but we will prioritise quality and fit over speed,” he said.

The changes come during a pivotal moment for Rangers. The team is currently sitting fourth in the Scottish Premiership, trailing the league leaders by a considerable margin.

While recent performances under Röhl show signs of improvement, expectations remain high under the new American-backed ownership led by 49ers Enterprises. Following their takeover earlier this year, fans anticipated bold, coordinated decision-making on and off the pitch.