Dan Godfrey

Fri 25 April 2025 8:40, UK

Rangers are already making new moves in the hierarchy even before the eagerly anticipated American takeover at Ibrox is complete.

This summer has to go entirely to plan to look to ensure Rangers do not suffer a season like this one, which is now set to dwindle towards its end following the end of the European adventure.

Who is appointed as manager is anyone’s guess at present, with Barry Ferguson leading the Gers for the rest of the season as fans remain laser-focused on takeover developments from the US.

Rangers securing ‘highly valuable’ board arrival

This week has seen a number of encouraging developments off the pitch at Rangers, as added investment is in place for the takeover bid.

Paraag Marathe and Andrew Cavenagh are leading the charge on securing 51 per cent of the shares at Ibrox, which entitles control moving forward.

Kevin Thelwell has also been captured as sporting director from Everton, having gathered a plethora of experience and contacts over the past two decades in top-level football.

Thelwell worked under difficult conditions in his three-year stint at Goodison Park, and was an esteemed member of staff but will now move to Ibrox as Everton’s new owners move in an alternate direction.

Former Everton defender Michael Ball told the Daily Record (25 April) that Thelwell would be a highly-esteemed Rangers appointment, will understand what’s needed and will be meticulous to ensure the Light Blues’ financial safety.

Ball also praised Thelwell’s acumen with players and recruitment, with plenty of contacts in the Red Bull empire through his time at New York Red Bulls – which could certainly act as a transfer window advantage – and across 12 years with Wolves.

“[Thelwell has] got a high knowledge of players from his experiences in America with the Red Bull group and with Wolves,” he said.

“He’ll understand what type of player would need to play in the Scottish league. And he’ll also be aware of the mindset needed to press Celtic and start competing, to start winning titles ahem. His connections in football are second to none. And he won’t be lazy, even though he’s hopefully got money to spend.

“He’s a bit like David Moyes in that way. He treats the club’s finances like it’s his own money. I really think his Everton experience is going to be highly valuable to Rangers moving forward.”

Thelwell could revolutionise transfer recruitment at Ibrox

Rangers securing Thelwell could be one of the most important pieces of business they pull off this summer.

It could be a positive sign of things to come when the American group finally take full control at Ibrox, and if they show their ambition from day one, Thelwell could perform at a superb level in the transfer market.

Rangers need exactly that injected into the club. Supporters are tired of seeing inconsistency, underperformance and unnecessary chaos.

Ball explained in the report how Thelwell, 51, used his astuteness to steer Everton through precarious financial waters, including with the sales of Richarlison and Anthony Gordon, saving the Toffees from further PSR issues in the Premier League.

That safe pair of hands and encyclopaedic contact book could prove pivotal to Rangers’ future steps towards silverware.