Kevin Thelwell makes ‘Crazy’ Rangers exit call to Leon Balogun after ‘Huge’ news
Leon Balogun has announced that he will be leaving Rangers once his contract expires this summer, with no offer of a new deal at Ibrox.
Balogun has been a good servant for Rangers over two spells at Ibrox, but the 36-year-old will now leave with the Gers aiming to clear out their squad.
Rangers are yet to find their next permanent manager as the 49ers Enterprises close in on a takeover of the Govan club, but they have already recruited a new sporting director.
Kevin Thelwell was recently appointed ahead of his move from Everton, and the decision over Balogun’s exit has now highlighted the magnitude of his role already.
Balogun exit hints at Rangers manager search twist
The decision to let the defender leave arrives at the end of a dismal season, which Balogun was upset about, as it meant he could not say a proper goodbye to the fans.
With no manager yet in place to make the decision, Thelwell’s role in the exit has been examined.
Writing in the Daily Record (20 May), Scott McDermott questioned the decision to let Balogun leave before the new manager had the chance to decide for himself.
“Surely Thelwell can’t be making huge decisions on players’ futures without consulting the new gaffer first?” McDermott claimed.
| Leon Balogun stats | 2024/25 Scottish Premiership |
| Appearances | 20 |
| Starts | 12 |
| Minutes played | 1071 |
“That would be crazy given that a boss coming in might be desperate to keep Balogun’s experience, for example, within the building.
“If Thelwell is already working in conjunction with someone to shape the squad for next season, that tells you Rangers are deep into the process of announcing their next manager – and an unveiling has to be imminent.”
McDermott then stated that the decision over Balogun may have been made by an incoming manager whose name has not yet been mentioned as an option.
Rangers need to be ruthless over player exits
Rangers need to be ruthless when sanctioning player exits this summer, with the squad in need of a major rebuild, and there can be no room for sentimentality.
The delay in appointing a new manager meant that decisions over players such as Balogun had to be made quickly without the consultation of a new coach.
Despite Balogun’s popularity, his injury record and age meant that giving him a new contract would not have been a smart decision, both financially and because of his lack of reliability.
This decision could not have waited much longer, but they will hope to have a new manager appointed as soon as possible to help make decisions over the rest of the squad.
Plenty of announcements appear to be on the way at Ibrox.