Rangers set to appoint Kevin Thelwell as new sporting director

Rangers are set to appoint Kevin Thelwell as the club’s new sporting director.

The 51-year-old is currently in a similar role at English Premier League side Everton, but will depart the Merseyside club in the summer.

He has also previously worked for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Derby County, Preston North End and New York Red Bulls in the MLS.

Chief executive Patrick Stewart has pinpointed him as his ideal candidate to fill the role left vacant by Ross Wilson’s departure two years ago.

Thelwell joined Everton from New York in 2022.

It has been a turbulent three years at Goodison Park. The Toffees have suffered points deductions and fought against relegation under three different managers.

However, they now appeared to have steadied the ship under David Moyes and sit 13th in the table while preparing to move into a new stadium for next season.

Thelwell revealed in March that he was leaving Everton at the end of the current campaign.

It has been a very disappointing season at Ibrox with the club sitting well behind Celtic in the Premiership, losing the League Cup final and knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Championship side Queen’s Park with former manager Philippe Clement departing the club after a poor run of results.

One positive has been their European performances as they reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League before being knocked out by Athletic Club last week.

They could be under new ownership for next season, with health tycoon Andrew Cavanagh and the 49ers Enterprises closing in on a deal to acquire a controlling stake.