In a major shake-up at Ibrox, Rangers Football Club has confirmed the immediate dismissal of chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell. The decision comes after a period of significant pressure on the club's leadership, driven by a deeply disappointing start to the season.
Turmoil on the Pitch Leads to Boardroom Change
The club's American owners, led by chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Parag Marathe, have acted decisively following a turbulent period. The team managed to win just one of their opening eight league fixtures and suffered a damaging run of seven consecutive defeats in European competition.
This poor performance was widely blamed on a summer recruitment strategy that attracted heavy criticism from supporters and pundits alike. Although on-pitch results have improved since the October appointment of manager Danny Rohl, replacing the sacked Russell Martin, the owners have now turned their attention to the executive suite.
A New Vision for Ibrox
Announcing the changes on Monday, Chairman Andrew Cavenagh stated plainly that both Stewart and Thelwell were leaving the club. He framed the move as part of a measured, strategic process, noting that improving sporting performance was the first priority, which led to the managerial change.
"Danny has now started the process of improving the on-pitch performance, and that has given us the chance to focus on other parts of the club," Mr Cavenagh explained.
He was careful to acknowledge the contributions of the departing executives, describing them as "skilled executives" who had "delivered a lot for the club." However, he clarified the core reason for their dismissal: the club's needs today are different from six months ago.
"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 said. "We want people that align with the vision for the next chapter."
What Happens Next at Rangers?
The search for new permanent appointments is already underway, with Cavenagh and Marathe leading the process. The chairman emphasised that the club will prioritise "quality and fit over speed." In the interim, director Fraser Thornton will step in as acting CEO.
Cavenagh also moved to reassure fans about the stability of the managerial position, asserting that Danny Rohl "will continue to have all the support that he needs."
Reflecting on the difficulty of the decision, the chairman concluded: "Change like this is always painful, especially when it involves people we care about. But at the same time, we're very excited about this opportunity to bring in fresh leadership to this great club."
Patrick Stewart's tenure as chief executive lasted exactly one year. Kevin Thelwell's time at Ibrox was even shorter; appointed in April, his brief spell is notably marked by the hiring of Russell Martin, who was sacked in October after just 17 games, making him the club's shortest-serving permanent manager in history.
