Rangers have confirmed the permanent appointment of Stig Inge Bjornebye as performance director and the recruitment of James Barrow as first-team performance coach, moves that manager Derek McInnes believes will strengthen the club's football operations.
Bjornebye's Permanent Role
Bjornebye, a former Liverpool defender, initially joined Rangers as a consultant in December 2025 but has now been given a permanent role. He will oversee the Ibrox club's performance, medical and analysis departments, and will also be involved with the academy set-up. Rangers say Bjornebye's new role "completes the football leadership group" as he works closely alongside McInnes and technical director Dan Purdy in the transfer market.
Bjornebye said: "Rangers is a club with huge expectations, and that is one of the reasons I am excited to take on this role permanently. Our responsibility now is to provide the football departments and the players with everything they need to win, while also creating a clear pathway for the next generation of Rangers players."
Barrow Joins from Wigan
James Barrow has been recruited from Wigan Athletic as first-team performance coach. He spent the last five years as the Latics' head of performance and replaces the departed Rhys Owen. Chief executive Jim Gillespie said: "Stig has quickly become a valued member of our football leadership team. His experience across elite football, both as a player and as an executive, brings important expertise to the club. His appointment completes a football structure that is focused on one objective: giving our manager, staff and players the best possible platform to deliver success for Rangers."
Gillespie added: "James is another strong addition to our football department and will bring valuable expertise as we continue to build the support available to our players and coaching staff."
Impact on McInnes' Squad
The appointments are seen as a major boost for McInnes, who now has a complete leadership group to support his efforts in the transfer market and on the training ground. The new structure aims to provide a clear pathway for young players while ensuring the first team has the resources needed to compete for trophies.
