Stig Igne Bjornebye has left impression on 49ers amid Rangers decision against sporting director hire
Stig Igne Bjornebye is set to stay at Rangers beyond this summer, and that’ll be thanks to what he showed the 49ers in the winter window.
Andrew Cavenagh issued a statement to Gers fans on Wednesday regarding a new £16million share issue update which also revealed that the club do not intend on hiring a replacement for Kevin Thelwell.
The former sporting director was sacked after the 49ers reviewed his performance in the summer transfer window, deeming it not good enough to keep him at Ibrox.
Sky Sports understands that Bjornebye, who took over as Thelwell’s replacement, will remain at Ibrox for an extended period and into the summer transfer window.
Rangers’ winter window was a success, and it could see Bjornebye keep the job in Glasgow for years to come.
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What has Stig Igne Bjornebye shown 49ers?
Bjornebye has been in close communication with Cavenagh over what was an initial six-month contract, and that contact has clearly left an impression on the latter.
It was only ever seen as a deal that could help the Bears in the short-term, but it could now be one that aids them in years to come.
| Stig Igne Bjornebye at Rangers | Stat |
| Contract | 6 months |
| Signings made | 4 |
| Money spent | £12.3m (potentially rising to £20.3m) |
What’s more impressive about what the former Blackburn Rovers man has done at Rangers is that he has played a huge part in giving Gers a chance of winning the Scottish Premiership after all.
It wasn’t just the incomings, but also the outgoings, which have helped Danny Rohl turn things around, but it’s all been done under extreme pressure.
Cavenagh placed huge responsibility on the shoulders of Bjorenbye, and in turn, the latter has been rewarded for his transfer expertise.
What is Bjornebye’s main role this summer?
Given the recent news around a goal to raise £16m in share funds, some Rangers supporters expect that to all go on transfers,
But the reality is that it’s just a reallocation of capital internally, not a cash injection, which means the Bears do not have an easy access to spend £16m on new players.
Bjornbye faces the talked-about task of resigning Mikey Moore, as the former will be crucial in securing Rangers the best possible deal, if negotiations reach an advanced stage this summer.
Thelwell’s replacement also has to have a summer clearout of some of Gers’ players who are surplus to requirements in order to make space for new additions.
That means tough conversations and bold calls to be made, but Bjornebye has already shown he’s not afraid to call the shots at Ibrox.
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