Scottish Premiership giants Rangers have taken drastic action by dismissing both chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell in a major boardroom clear-out.
Executive Exodus Following Turbulent Season
The decision comes after months of intense supporter anger directed at the club's leadership following a disastrous start to the campaign. Under their watch, Rangers managed just one victory in their first eight league matches and suffered the embarrassment of seven consecutive European defeats.
The much-criticised summer recruitment drive overseen by the departing executives was widely blamed for the team's poor performances, ultimately leading to manager Russell Martin's dismissal in October after just 17 games in charge - making him the club's shortest-serving permanent manager.
American Owners Implement Strategic Changes
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Parag Marathe, who led the American takeover of the club last summer, have now acted decisively after spending six months assessing the situation at Ibrox.
In a statement released on Monday, Cavenagh explained: "Responsible change is measured and steady. Our first priority has been to improve the sporting performance, and that led to our decision to part ways with Russell Martin and bring in Danny Rohl."
The chairman confirmed that Fraser Thornton, the club's director, will assume duties as acting CEO while the search for permanent replacements continues.
Looking Towards a New Chapter
Cavenagh emphasised that while both Stewart and Thelwell were "skilled executives" who had "delivered a lot for the club", the requirements for both roles had evolved under the new ownership.
"Simply put, when we think about what we need in both CEO and sporting director today, it's different than who we think Patrick and Kev are," Cavenagh stated. "We want people that align with the vision for the next chapter."
The chairman reassured supporters that new manager Danny Rohl would continue to receive full support from the club hierarchy, noting that the German had "started the process of improving the on-pitch performance" since his appointment last month.
Stewart had served as chief executive for exactly one year, while Thelwell's appointment in April was among the final decisions sanctioned by the previous regime before the American takeover was completed.
The club has already commenced the hiring process for both positions, with Cavenagh vowing to prioritise "quality and fit over speed" in making these crucial appointments.
