Double Rangers sacking announced: Thelwell and Stewart dismissed following transfer turmoil

Robin Bairner

• 24 Nov 2025 06:27 CST
• 3 min read

News

Rangers have relieved sporting director Kevin Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart of their roles at Ibrox following a disastrous start to the season at the Glasgow giants.

The pair were behind the Glasgow giant’s summer transfer policy that saw nearly €30 million spent on new signings.

The Gers confirmed the news with a brief statement published on the club's official website.

“Rangers Football Club confirms it has parted company with CEO Patrick Stewart and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell.

“Rangers expresses its sincere gratitude to both Patrick and Kevin for their leadership and unwavering commitment to the club.

“Chairman Andrew Cavenagh and Vice Chairman Paraag Marathe have already begun the search process and, until permanent hires are made, Director Fraser Thornton will assume the role of acting CEO.”

Despite the enormous spend, Rangers’ arrivals appear to have been badly mis-profiled, with few of the new signings having a positive impact on the team.

While these deals were completed in conjunction with manager Russell Martin, himself sacked after a matter of weeks at the club, overall responsibility for recruitment lay at the feet of Thelwell and Stewart.

New manager Danny Rohl has stepped in and has overseen an improvement in results, yet the performances of Rangers remain miles from where fans expect, at least in part because the quality of players has been insufficient.

Now both Thelwell and Stewart, whose positions at the club had been subject to protests from fans, have been forced out of their jobs.

Robbie Thelwell controversy

As part of Thelwell’s role, he controversially appointed son Robbie to the head of recruitment job at the club – despite having a poor record at Norwich City.

He was forced to defend his position in front of the press in October:

“My view on Robbie's career, Robbie's situation is, he doesn't need my help in football. He has worked at Aston Villa as a senior scout, he then moved to Norwich City as head of scouting and then got promoted to player pathways manager.

“What we did do, right at the very start of that process, was to talk to Patrick, to Andrew, Paraag [Marathe, 49ers Enterprises[ and the board and talk to them about the situation.

“I was extremely transparent about that was what Dan wanted to do and I think Robbie probably went through a more rigorous process than probably anybody else that is employed by this football club, truth be known.

"And I am looking forward to him proving that he is going to be an excellent employee for Rangers."

Rangers are currently fourth in the Scottish Premiership but sit bottom of the Europa League with no points from four games.