Sources: Rangers turn attention to ‘experienced’ sporting director after Kevin Thelwell sacked
Rangers are already working to identify their next sporting director and hope to have a deal agreed quickly as they set ambitious plans for the future.
Rangers fans protested against Thelwell in the weeks leading to his dismissal after a disappointing transfer window and an even worse start to the season.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Rangers are prioritising an experienced option to come in ready for the January transfer window as they aim to strengthen Danny Rohl’s squad with new additions.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 13 October that Thelwell’s position at Rangers is under scrutiny in the wake of Russell Martin’s dismissal.
Since then, the Rohl’s appointment and the decision to undergo another backroom reshuffle, with Patrick Stewart also let go from his position, have forced them to consider their options.
Rangers eye experienced sporting director
Football Insider first revealed in October that Rangers planned to give Thelwell the January transfer window to prove his worth and continue on the plans in place.
However, a major reshuffle forced them to make an early decision, with the club now keen to move in a new direction as they hope their plans will stick this time.
As a result, they are looked for an experienced option to step into the sporting director role to help reverse their recent fortunes in the transfer market.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, I think I fully agree with you there. Rangers need to get this next appointment right.
“I’m sure Rangers will be looking for, as you said, an experienced sporting director who can come in and hit the ground running and try and turn around Rangers fortunes in the transfer market.
“They’ve had a few difficult windows over the last couple of years, and it’s important for them not to make too may more mistakes in the market.
“Rangers will be scouring across Europe and the world to see who they can bring in to help Danny Rohl on the pitch and get him the players he needs to try and improve Rangers’ fortunes.
“So yeah I think they’ll probably go for a more experienced sporting director. Rangers would ideally like to bring in somebody who’s got a proven pedigree in that position.“
Rangers eye David Watson as January transfer plan revealed
Despite their ongoing search for a new sporting director, Rangers are making plans to strengthen Rohl’s squad and have already set their sights on a key target.
Football Insider revealed on 21 November that Rangers could sign Kilmarnock star David Watson on a cut-price deal as they aim to capitalise on his contract situation.
Watson, 20, is out of contract at the end of the season and has attracted interest from Scotland’s top clubs as well as a number of English Championship outfits.
Watson has made 20 appearances for Kilmarnock so far this season, and would bring dynamism and experience to Rangers despite his young age.
There is now a growing feeling that he could be allowed to leave in January for the right price, with Kilmarnock reluctant to see him leave for free.
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