Rangers are poised to appoint David Hopkin to a key role in their recruitment department, with the former Livingston manager headhunted from Crystal Palace. The 55-year-old former Scotland international will work under Technical Director Dan Purdy, focusing on emerging and academy talent while supplementing the existing structure by looking externally.
Headhunted from Crystal Palace
Hopkin has been at Crystal Palace for several years as head of scouting in Scotland, where he brought a string of top talent south of the border. He signed Northern Irish international Justin Devenney from Airdrie, who went on to win the FA Cup and UEFA Conference League. Hopkin also brought Scott Banks from Dundee United, now making a name at FC St Pauli in Germany, and Dylan Reid from St Mirren, a move that made him well-known to Rangers chief executive Jim Gillespie.
Playing and managerial career
Hopkin played at the top level, moving from Morton to Chelsea, and also played for Leeds and Bradford City, with two spells at Crystal Palace. He has managerial experience with Livingston, Bradford, Morton, and Ayr United.
Rangers recruitment overhaul
Rangers recently appointed Sig Inge Bjornebye as Performance Director on a permanent basis. He is reviewing the club’s recruitment structure and is set to make a number of changes, with Hopkin’s appointment part of that overhaul.
