Patrick Stewart has identified the Everton man as the figure he wants in the key role at Ibrox
Kevin Thelwell is the leading name to become the new sporting director at Rangers.
Record Sport exclusively revealed that the Light Blues are close to bringing a new man on board after Patrick Stewart’s lengthy search to identify the right man for the top role in Govan.
It has since emerged that Thelwell could be that very person as he gets ready to leave a similar role at English Premier League outfit Everton as they get set to leave Goodison Park for their new home.
But with a deal imminent to take the 51-year-old to Glasgow, who is he and what will he bring to the table?
Record Sport has all the information you need in one place.
Who is Kevin Thelwell?
Kevin Thelwell is the front runner name to take over in a key role at Rangers.
A former pro with Shrewsbury Town, Thelwell came through the Crewe Alexandria. The 51-year-old is currently director of football at Everton – but will depart in the summer.
He has over 20 years experience in management and leadership positions within professional football and holds a UEFA pro licence.
What roles has Kevin Thelwell previously held?
He’s worked with the Football Association of Wales in a Director of Coach Education role.
He was then Head of Youth at Preston North End before taking up an Academy Manager role at Derby County.
Wolves came next in the same job role as the Rams before he took on roles of Head of Football Development and Recruitment and then Sporting Director at Molineux.
A switch to the MLS offered a new experience as Head of Sport at New York Red Bulls before his current position at Everton
Which players has he signed?
Thelwell was in position at Wolves as they established themselves in the English Premier League and helped oversee something of a Portuguese invasion, thanks to their links with super agent Jorge Mendes.
During his time as sporting director, Thelwell helped bring in the likes of Diogo Jota, Ruben Neves, Adama Traore, Leander Dendoncker, Pedro Neto and former Gers loanee Fabio Silva.
Player trading – one area in desperate need of improvement at Rangers – saw him bring in around £170m in transfer fees during his time with Wolves.
At Everton, Thelwell over saw the the acquisitions of Amadou Onana, James Tarkowski, Jack Harrison, Jake O’Brien and Ilinam Ndiaye
What has Patrick Stewart said on the hunt for a new sporting director?
“We are now in the market for a Sporting Director.
“That role will put someone right at the top of the football tree; an experienced football person who will be responsible for all aspects of the football club to ensure they’re working together towards fulfilling our holistic joined-up plan.”
What is the timeline for an announcement by Rangers?
As Record Sport revealed, Patrick Stewart is understood to have met with his preferred candidate in Glasgow earlier this week.
He was given a guided tour of club facilities as part of that meet up.
It is believed an announcement on the new man is ‘imminent’ and could happen before the end of week.
