-
News
- 1 hours ago
Robbie Thelwell's Norwich transfer record should leave Rangers terrified
Tom Weber
- Updated: 7 Nov 2025 20:32 GMT
- 4 min read
Analysis
Rangers director Kevin Thelwell has appointed his son, Robbie, as head of recruitment, sparking widespread concerns among the Ibrox club's fanbase.
This summer was supposed to be a positive transformation for Rangers. The club was sold to Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers, Kevin Thelwell arrived from Everton with a solid reputation and Russell Martin was appointed as head coach.
However, it quickly turned into a nightmare. Martin has been sacked and replaced with Danny Rohl after a disastrous start to the campaign, and calls for Thelwell to resign have grown louder.
In October, it was revealed that Thelwell would appoint his son, Robbie, as Rangers' new head of recruitment, which has further increased the pressure on him.
Even looking beyond the obvious conflict of interest, fans are concerned about Thelwell Jr's track record. A 26-year-old primarily with scouting experience - mostly under his father - he is now supposed to lead the club's latest rebuild.
Thelwell's dismal Norwich record
Thelwell arrived at Ibrox after a two-year spell at Championship side Norwich City. He initially joined the club in September 2023 as head of technical scouting before loan management was added to his remit the following year.
At Carrow Road, Thelwell reported to sporting director Ben Knapper, who joined in October 2023 from Arsenal. As such, Thelwell was not directly in charge of recruitment at Norwich, but his recommendations certainly carried weight.
Knapper has faced massive backlash from Canaries fans for his managerial appointments and signings. Norwich, whose long-term ambition is to return to the Premier League, currently sit 22nd in the Championship, only ahead of the two Sheffield clubs.
It can only be speculated how much influence Thelwell really had on Norwich's recent signings, but the club's transfer business does make for grim reading.
The East Anglians have spent north of €60 million on new recruits over the past two years, but it is difficult to pick out any signing that has truly made an enduring impact.
Last season, Norwich were carried by Josh Sargent and Borja Sainz, both of whom were bought prior to the Knapper-Thelwell era. This season, with Sainz having departed for Porto, the Canaries have been nothing short of dismal.
Some players have shown glimpses of promise. Midfielder Amankwah Forson, for example, had moments last season, but he has had to deal with two pretty lengthy injuries.
Striker Ante Crnac, the most expensive signing (€11m) during Thelwell's time at the club, has scored seven goals in 52 appearances. Norwich's attempts at signing young players to sell them on for a profit has yet to bear fruit. The wingers have been ineffectual, while the defensive signings don't look up to speed.
When news of Rangers' appointment of Thelwell broke, then-coach Russell Martin, a Norwich legend, claimed that he had heard plenty of good things about the 26-year-old from his old colleagues. However, it is not difficult to see why Gers fans have reservations.
Ultimately, only time will tell if Thelwell is up to the task or if Rangers' recruitment, much like Norwich's, will remain underwhelming.
Football transfer news headlines today
Maresca stunned as Chelsea risk losing 'very important' player
Liverpool submit official offer for Mohamed Salah replacement
Guardiola demands Man City sign Vini Jr
Chelsea in talks to RE-SIGN fan favourite
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
