24/04/2025 03:00
Rangers look to be making steady progress on a couple of fronts ahead of what is set to be a summer of change.
Patrick Stewart has got his sporting director with Kevin Thelwell appointed by Rangers as his contract at Everton runs out.
What is more exciting than a proven operator at Premier League and MLS level coming into Ibrox to add stability is who will be in control above him.
The San Francisco 49ers have secured enough shares to complete a takeover of Rangers that should be concluded by the end of May.
The appointment of Thelwell shouldn't be downplayed though with his CV and influence across a number of clubs showing exactly what he could bring to Rangers.
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Kevin Thelwell has proven track record to benefit Rangers
One area that has been lacking in recent years is the academy and, having been an academy director at the age of just 32, former manager, coach, player, sport scientist and now sporting director, Thelwell has one gem that he can be particularly proud of helping to develop.
Now an England international and a key reason for Nottingham Forest fighting for a Champions League place, Morgan Gibbs-White is one of the Premier League's brightest talents.
It was in his academy role at Wolves where Thelwell played a key role in helping to transition the then teenager adjust to life in senior football and his performances have caught the eye.
With an ageing squad and the likes of Kevin de Bryune heading for pastures new, Gibbs-White is on the radar of Man City, looking to bounce back from what has been a poor season by their lofty standards.
Morgan Gibbs-White tipped for big move in Thelwell role proof
Speaking on his YouTube channel, transfer supremo Fabrizio Romano claims that the 25-year old is a player that Pep Guardiola is keen to sign:
“Morgan Gibbs-White, he’s in the list at Man City, he’s quite high on the list at Man City. A player really appreciated by those at the club. Hugo Viana, the new sporting director at Man City really appreciates the player.
“He’s a Premier League-proven player. He’s still a really important player for Forest, so it’s not going to be an easy deal. It’s not going to be a cheap deal. It’s going to be a tough one in terms of negotiations. But in terms of interest, Gibbs-White is on Man City’s list.
“We expect City to be busy in the summer transfer window. A really important point is going to be how much Forest want for Gibbs-White. Because Forest, of course, will play European football. They will fight to play Champions League football. Forest are in a fantastic moment of their history, and they have no intention to accept any normal bid or cheap bid for Gibbs-White.”
In appointing Thelwell, Rangers are bringing in a professional who has worked in every aspect of professional football and has an understanding of what is needed throughout the club.
The former New York Red Bulls sporting director has exactly what Rangers need – proven experience and a track record that will stand him in good stead.
A gem or two from Auchenhowie making the sort of impact that Gibbs-White has done would make Thelwell an instant hit.
