'Massive mistake' – Everton fans nervous as Toffees try to explain Kevin Thelwell Rangers switch
24/04/2025 12:30
Everton have explained the decision to let current Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell leave the club for Rangers this summer.
Thelwell will officially join Rangers come the end of three season after his contract expires at Goodison Park, with the Toffees announcing the 51-year-old's departure earlier in the campaign.
The decision to let Kevin Thelwell go has had a mixed reaction amongst the club's support, with Thelwell's statistics at Everton backing up the fact the ex-Wolves chief did a solid job in tough circumstances.
With Everton being taken over by US backers in the shape of the Friedkin Group, the club has explained they will now go through a period of executive restructuring.
Everton explain Kevin Thelwell departure to Rangers
In a statement to supporters, Everton have confirmed that Kevin Thelwell will move to Rangers come the end of the season.
The Premier League side have also explained that they will be implementing a new multi-personnel sporting leadership team.
The statement reads:
"Director of Football Kevin Thelwell will take up the position of Sporting Director at Glasgow Rangers when he leaves Everton this summer.
"The Club announced last month that Thelwell will depart his role when his current contract expires at the end of the season, as part of a transition from a single Director of Football to a wider sporting leadership team.
"Rangers have today confirmed Thelwell will take up the position of Sporting Director at the Scottish Premiership club following his Everton departure.
"Incoming Everton CEO Angus Kinnear will lead the implementation of the new sporting leadership team, with senior appointments to be announced in due course."
Everton fans react to Kevin Thelwell departure
The exit of Kevin Thelwell has been met with a mixed response from the Everton support after three years at Goodison Park.
Everton went through a period of substantial financial challenges under Thelwell, with the club deducted points and limitations put on transfer spending.
Thelwell oversaw a net positive transfer spend of +£80m whilst the ex-New York Red Bulls executive cut the wage bill by around £20m, all whilst keeping the club in the Premier League.
With new US investment to transform the landscape on Merseyside, Everton are ready to move to their new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season.
Everton fans have paid tribute to Thelwell, whose role at the club has helped ensure that the first games at the ground will be played in the English top flight.
One fan claims that Thelwell 'did a great job' in trying circumstances with the Everton support as a general proud of the work Kevin did on Merseyside.
One fan said 'thank' to Thelwell for 'navigating' Everton through the 'nightmare' of the last three years.
Another supporter described Thelwell as a 'steady hand under very difficult circumstances'.
Overwhelmingly, the message to Thelwell is one of gratitude and grace. Kudos to the Everton fans for the send-off.
