Nils Koppen ‘crucial to Kevin Thelwell success’ after Rangers development
Nils Koppen may play a pivotal role in helping Kevin Thelwell succeed at Rangers ahead of the exit-bound Everton chief’s arrival at Ibrox.
The Englishman has been at the Merseyside outfit since 2022, assuming the role of director of football during a period of difficulty.
Thelwell has also worked with the Red Bull group in the past, with whom the 49ers Enterprises are linked at Leeds United.
Koppen’s responsibilities at Ibrox were broadened earlier this season when he was promoted to the technical director role, and he could potentially aid the incoming sporting chief settling to the rigours of Scottish football.
Koppen to take pressure off Thelwell at Rangers
Koppen needs to take the brunt of short-term criticism at the Gers to help Thelwell succeed, Jonny McFarlane says.
The Scottish journalist believes the Englishman can’t be under pressure immediately if his initial signings don’t live up to expectations, with the Belgian chief taking the responsibilty instead.
| Players | Signed in |
| Iliman Ndiaye | 2024 |
| Dwight McNeil | 2022 |
| Idrissa Gueye | 2022 |
| James Garner | 2022 |
| Jake O’Brien | 2024 |
| James Tarkowski | 2022 |
McFarlane feels Koppen could potentially be the fall guy when it comes to the recruitment aspect of things at the Glaswegian outfit if things don’t work out at the start.
The journalist wrote in the Rangers Review (25 April): “But you can’t get into a situation where a long-term appointment like Thelwell is under pressure after six months because four or five signings don’t hit the ground running. And that’s why Koppen is crucial to Thelwell’s success.
“So Koppen’s the man walking the tightrope. And so he must, because if his boss is to have any chance of success, he can’t be tied to the unpredictable, mad world of football transfers.”
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers to start new era at Ibrox
Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers are closing in on their takeover at the Gers after reaching a breakthrough to acquire 51 per cent shares.
The US consortium will undoubtedly be looking to bring success back to the Light Blues after years of uncertainty and mismanagement.
Barry Ferguson’s future at Ibrox will be one of the first things the prospective new owners will need to decide, and Thelwell will arguably have a say in it.
Rangers need to compete with Celtic, and fans will expect the Americans to knock the Hoops off their perch immediately.
Thelwell’s time at Everton has been a relative success, making impressive signings like Iliman Ndiaye, Jake O’Brien and James Garner in recent transfer windows.
Koppen has risen through the ranks since arriving at the Bears in January 2024, and many haven’t been impressed by what he’s done at the Glaswegian outfit so far.
The Belgian chief will surely have to endure responsibility for major criticism that may come at the Gers if the new structure at Ibrox doesn’t get off to a quick start.
Supporters will hope for better things to come soon.