Rangers have announced the sacking of chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell after a disastrous start to the season.
The pair had been the target of intense supporter anger after the club won just one of their first eight league games and suffered seven consecutive European defeats, following a much-criticised summer recruitment drive. Domestic form has improved since Danny Röhl replaced Russell Martin as manager last month.
The club's American owners, who took over in May, have acted decisively. Chair Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chair Parag Marathe are leading the search for new incumbents. Cavenagh said: "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."
Cavenagh acknowledged that Stewart and Thelwell are skilled executives who have delivered much for the club, but said: "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." He added that the club needs different things today than it did six months ago, and that the hiring process has already started, prioritising quality and fit over speed.
Stewart had held his role for a year, while Thelwell's appointment in April was sanctioned by the owners shortly before their takeover was completed. Thelwell's short spell at Ibrox is largely defined by the decision to appoint Martin, who proved to be Rangers' shortest-serving permanent manager when he was sacked in October after 17 games.
