(Credit: Imago)

Rangers reach 'broad agreement' for new manager hire after 49ers Enterprises jet in

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Published on:

01 May 2025, 5:42 am

Kevin Thelwell has been tasked with hiring Rangers' new manager after a delegation from 49ers Enterprises jetted into Glasgow for a tour of Ibrox.

Thelwell, 51, has been appointed as the Gers' new sporting director and will begin his role in an official capacity when his contract at Everton expires on 30 June.

However, 49ers Enterprises are concerned that a new manager is needed as soon as possible due to a sizeable summer overhaul being planned and Champions League qualifiers beginning in June.

Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart giving Paraag Marathe and co a tour of Ibrox. More on https://t.co/0RG1Gtdkqx and News at Six pic.twitter.com/DZlWjtt934
— Raman Bhardwaj (@ramanbhardwajTV) April 29, 2025

49ers and Thelwell on same page over new Rangers manager hire

Barry Ferguson hasn't done the worst job since being named as Rangers' interim manager. However, it looks as though Thelwell and 49ers will hire a new man from outside of the club to take the reins on a full-time basis.

The Daily Mail reported on Wednesday night (30 April) that while negotiations are still underway over a takeover, a "broad agreement" has been reached by all concerned parties that Thelwell needs to find a new manager fast.

Name	Job role
Denise DeBartolo York	49ers Co-Chairman
John York	49ers Co-Chairman
Jed York	49ers CEO
Paraag Marathe	49ers Enterprises President
Collin Meador	49ers Enterprises Vice President

The key players at San Francisco 49ers who might have a big role in the takeover at Rangers.

49ers technical director Gretar Steinsson is set to advise on the new full-time manager at Ibrox, with the Icelandic chief reportedly scouring Europe for a hire.

The Mail claims that while Thelwell's contract at Everton doesn't expire until the end of June, his duties will end on 25 May when the Premier League season finishes.

It suggests that the former Wolves chief will be able to get to work on hiring Philippe Clement's permanent successor as early as that date. However, there's no doubt that work will be going on in the background both in Thelwell's spare time and for Steinsson and co at 49ers.

Departing Everton director of football, Kevin Thelwell

Thelwell faces the busiest summer of his life at Rangers. (Credit: Imago)

Who could be the next Rangers manager?

A lot of names have been mentioned since Clement was axed by Rangers in February.

Ferguson is an obvious contender, considering how well he did in Europe. However, the club's league form - especially at Ibrox - has been horrendous.

Steven Gerrard's name has cropped up a lot as well. It's been recently reported that the Liverpool legend, who left Rangers for Aston Villa in 2021, is the most likely option to be hired.

Former RB Leizpig manager Marco Rose is also being mooted as a potential appointment.

Barry Ferguson

Paraag Marathe

Kevin Thelwell