Rangers announce former Manchester United chief Patrick Stewart as new CEO

Rangers have named former Manchester United chief Patrick Stewart as their new CEO.

The Ibrox club, who have been searching for a replacement for James Bisgrove since his departure in May, announced on Monday that Stewart will be the man to lead the club on a day-to-day basis.

Stewart spent 14 years at Old Trafford, working in a range of off-field roles before his departure at the end of last season.

John Bennett had assumed the role of executive chairman on an interim basis after James Bisgrove moved to Saudi Arabia after five years at Ibrox.

The announcement comes just six days after Rangers appointed Nils Koppen as technical director.

The Belgian joined the club in January as director of recruitment and head of the scouting department.

He will continue to oversee the transfer strategy while also taking on overall responsibility for the men’s academy, medical, football operations, performance and analysis.

The latest boardroom announcement comes amid further pressure piling on Rangers boss Phillipe Clement after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Ibrox.

Rangers are now eleven points behind league leaders Celtic and find themselves eight behind second-place Aberdeen.

Rangers’ interim chairman John Gilligan said: “On behalf of the board, I’m delighted to welcome Patrick to the club as CEO.

“Patrick comes with an excellent reputation and background, bringing extensive experience of operating at senior levels during his 20-plus years in football.

“The board continues in discussions with several excellent candidates for the role of Chairperson and expect to make an announcement of an appointment in the coming weeks.”