Kevin Thelwell may already be considering an early departure from Rangers, just months after stepping into the role of sporting director.
The former Everton executive has played a central role in reshaping the squad following the club’s takeover by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises. However, supporters have begun to question his suitability for the job particularly after the £10 million signing of Youssef Chermiti, who struggled to make an impact during his time in Merseyside.
Thelwell was also instrumental in bringing in manager Russell Martin, who is now under pressure to deliver improved results at Ibrox.
Rangers planned to sack Russell Martin before Kevin Thelwell stepped in to block the move
Kevin Thelwell reportedly risked his own position at Rangers to protect manager Russell Martin, according to journalist Luca Chianti.
Chianti, a media consultant affiliated with Reuters and AP and followed by BBC journalist Adam Pope, claimed that Thelwell threatened to resign from his role as sporting director if the club proceeded with plans to dismiss Martin.
During a high-level meeting at Ibrox, Rangers’ leadership was allegedly prepared to part ways with the 39-year-old head coach. However, Thelwell’s firm intervention is said to have halted the decision.
Chianti shared the development on X (formerly Twitter) on 4 September, writing:
“Details emerging from a crunch meeting at executive level in Rangers where director of football Kevin Thelwell threatened to quit on the spot if the Glasgow club fired manager Russell Martin as intended. Martin remains in the role. More to follow.”
Kevin Thelwell putting his Ibrox future at risk
Despite a heavy 9-1 aggregate loss to Club Brugge in the Champions League play-offs, Russell Martin claims he still has the backing of both Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell. While Martin does require time to instil his philosophy at Rangers, early signs from the first 11 games suggest little progress has been made.
The former Southampton manager’s dismissal is beginning to feel like a matter of time, and Thelwell appears willing to stand by him even if it costs him his own position.
With a net spend of £20 million approved by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, expectations were high at Ibrox. The club also broke a 25-year record for their highest transfer fee by signing Youssef Chermiti. However, Martin has managed just three wins in 11 matches, and doubts are mounting over the direction of the team.
Rangers could soon find themselves searching not only for a new manager but also a new sporting director. Of the 13 new signings from the recent transfer window, several including Max Aarons and Joe Rothwell have failed to impress, raising questions about recruitment strategy.
As tensions rise at Ibrox, the uncertainty surrounding Martin’s future remains a key storyline, with more developments likely in the coming days.
