Rangers look to recruit in another key position as off-field shake-up continues
01/01/2025 06:05 AM
Rangers are in yet another transitional period off the pitch with more changes expected in January.
Manager Philippe Clement keeps preaching the importance of patience after signing a clutch of young players with potential in the summer, with the likes of Hamza Igamane and Jefte starting to come good.
Off the pitch, things are being massively shaken up too.
Rangers recently confirmed Patrick Stewart as their new chief executive as well as Fraser Thornton as chairman.
And a former Manchester United colleague of Stewart’s, Greg Mailer, looks set to be appointed as the new communications chief at Ibrox.
Mailer is also formerly of the Scottish FA and Hibs.
Those have been the top of the iceberg in terms of off-field changes with Karim Virani quitting as commercial director and Creag Robertson walking away from his role as head of football operations, replaced by Nils Koppen.
Now, the club are advertising for another key role.
Rangers seek new legal counsel
Gers chiefs are now looking to hire a new legal counsel.
Graham Horman arrived from legal firm Pinsent and Masons to take up the role last year but his title switched to legal director. He was then appointed club secretary.
The job advert placed by Rangers states: “We are seeking a dynamic Legal Counsel to join our prestigious football club. This role will cover all legal-related work across the operations, commercial, and football departments of the club. The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational legal advice to ensure the club's interests are protected and its operations are compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
“This is a unique opportunity to work in a football club environment. The position on offer is broad and will provide the successful candidate with exposure to all aspects of the club. The environment is fast paced and requires candidates with a 'can do' attitude. The candidate needs to be a logical thinker and able to problem solve daily. They should be able to think laterally, taking into consideration their knowledge of the wider club business with every decision they make.
“The successful candidate will be part of a team with quick reporting and decision-making lines. They will be encouraged to grow their network within the industry. There are excellent career progression opportunities with this role.”
Key responsibilities of legal counsel
Legal Advisory and Support:
- Provide comprehensive legal advice and support across all departments.
- Act as the first point of contact with all stakeholders in the club for legal compliance.
- Support the Company Secretary on all major projects and matters that are ongoing at the club.
- Coordinate with external legal advisors to effectively manage and resolve legal matters where necessary.
Commercial:
- Manage the drafting, negotiation, and execution of commercial contracts, including sponsorship and licensing agreements.
- Ensure all commercial agreements align with the club's strategic objectives and comply with applicable laws.
- Oversee the protection and enforcement of the club's intellectual property rights.
Operations:
- Manage the drafting, negotiation, and execution of supplier contracts and assist on any legal issues in the managing of supplier relationships.
- In collaboration with other departments, develop and implement policies and procedures, providing training to staff as required.
- Manage disputes and litigation involving the club including employment disputes, commercial litigation, and regulatory investigations.
- Manage the club's debt recovery procedures.
- Support HR department on employment related matters.
Football Department:
- Provide legal support on player contracts, transfers, and regulatory compliance.
- Advise on disciplinary matters, disputes, and other issues related to player conduct and club regulations.
- Support on football administration matters such as immigration queries, FIFA Clearing House processing and Transfer Matching System issues.
