Rangers have officially confirmed the appointment of Kevin Thelwell as the club’s new sporting director, marking the first major step in a wider restructuring process at Ibrox.

Thelwell, 51, joins from English Premier League side Everton, where he served as director of football for the past three years. He had already announced his intention to depart Goodison Park this summer, paving the way for a move north of the border.

His arrival follows Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart's announcement of a full-scale review of club operations earlier this season, with Thelwell identified as the man to lead the sporting overhaul.

Prior to his spell at Everton, Thelwell held key roles with the New York Red Bulls and Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he was also director of football. 

"This is a huge honour for me to be joining a club with the size, stature and expectations of Rangers. From the first conversations, it was clear to me how ambitious the club is, and I’m excited to play a part in shaping its next chapter," Thelwell said.

“I know how much Rangers means to so many people, and that brings both responsibility and motivation. Rangers needs to win. That’s the bottom line. There’s a strong foundation already in place, and I look forward to working closely with the teams across the men’s, women’s and academy programmes to build something that delivers consistently.

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“Of course, there’s important work ahead, especially in men’s first-team structure but we’ll approach it with energy and purpose. While change takes time, I’m confident that we can make real progress. I can’t wait to get started.”

Thelwell’s appointment is expected to be the first of several major developments at Ibrox, with American businessman Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises in advanced talks to complete a takeover of the club and inject fresh capital - something Rangers also acknowledged in a statement on Wednesday night.

Rangers CEO Stewart commented on fresh boardroom arrival, saying: “I am delighted to be welcoming Kevin to the club following a rigorous recruitment process.

“Our Football Review quickly identified the need to appoint a Sporting Director, and in Kevin, we have found an outstanding candidate with terrific experience in the Premier League and the MLS. 

“It will be the role of Kevin, with the full support of myself and the board to lead our football department and deliver the results our supporters expect and deserve.”

More to follow...