Kevin Thelwell takes new career path as first job announced after Rangers exit
Kevin Thelwell has been announced as the FA’s new Elite Coach Developer as he takes up his first role since being fired by Rangers.
The 52-year-old, who was dismissed by the Gers in November 2025, will support the progression of elite homegrown coaches across both the men’s and women’s game in his new position.
He is set to work closely with the League Managers Association, Women’s Super League, Premier League, EFL and Professional Football Association.
Thelwell will report to former Newcastle United and Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth, who is currently chief football officer at St George’s Park.
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Kevin Thelwell moves on from Rangers horror show
Thelwell paid the price for Rangers‘ horrific start to the 2025-26 campaign when he was sacked on 24 November, after just six months at Ibrox.
The sporting director was dismissed along with chief executive Patrick Stewart, as Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises lost patience with the duo.
Of course, Thelwell’s biggest error was the appointment of Russell Martin last summer, the former Southampton boss lasting just 123 days at the Glasgow side before being replaced by Danny Rohl.
His recruitment on the pitch and behind the scenes was constantly questioned, and by the end of his tenure, Thelwell was hated by much of the Rangers fanbase.
However, he has now moved on from the horror show at Ibrox and found himself a new role, away from the constant spotlight of running a football club in a slight change of career path.
Thelwell told the FA’s website: “I’m delighted to be joining the FA at such an exciting time, and to get the chance to help take coaching excellence in this country to the next level.
“I know there is a real desire at St. George’s Park to step up the support for homegrown coaches at all levels and to give them the tools they need to complement their day-to-day roles.
“Succession planning and elite coach development will be an essential part of my remit, and it is vital that we also work with the talented coaches within our own pathway.
“I hope to build on my strong relationships across the game, and work with clubs and all our key partners for everyone’s benefit.”
Kevin Thelwell pays price for Ibrox disaster
Thelwell wasn’t exactly loved by Everton fans during his time at Goodison Park, but there was still a fair amount of optimism among Rangers supporters when he made the switch to Ibrox.
However, the FA’s new hire saw his reputation plummet while with the Gers, as a long line of mistakes left the Glasgow outfit well adrift in the Scottish Premiership.
His departure coincided with Rangers’ upturn in form, and Rohl’s side are now fighting Hearts and Celtic for the title.
Thelwell has clearly suffered from his disastrous reign at Ibrox though, as he has been unable to find a new role as a sporting director and has instead moved into a less-pressurised position with the FA.
For more in-depth analysis on the Gers, visit Football Insider.