Kevin Thelwell has only been in the job a week, but already Rangers’ new Director of Football is making waves. In a detailed and thoughtful interview with Rangers TV, Thelwell reflected on his whirlwind first week in the role — a week that has already brought major changes to the club’s footballing structure.
A Fast Start as Rangers Director of Football
“It’s been very busy, as you would imagine,” Thelwell admitted. “But it’s nice to at last get my feet under the table.”
In that short time, Rangers have appointed a new Head Coach in Russell Martin and replaced Technical Director Nils Koppen with Dan Purdy — a man Thelwell knows well from their time together at Everton.
The early decisions haven’t been easy or popular. Thelwell has gone against the grain by backing Martin, a coach who has divided opinion among the Rangers support. But, to his credit, he hasn’t shied away from the pressure. He’s here to lead — and that means standing by the decisions he believes are right for the club.
Right from the very start, it was clear to me and the others involved in the process that Russell was the standout candidate,” he said. “He’s sharpened his approach over time and we believe fans will see something strong out on the pitch.
Kevin Thelwell, Director of Football, Rangers Football Club
Russell Martin: A Brave Call
The decision to appoint Martin is undoubtedly bold. It’s one that could have been avoided by selecting a more popular candidate, but Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart have stayed true to their process. It’s a gamble — and Thelwell knows it. He’ll ultimately be judged by what happens on the pitch.
Yet, as a communicator, Thelwell has impressed. He speaks clearly, confidently, and with an obvious understanding of the demands of this job. He’s not just ticking boxes — he’s trying to build a winning culture, starting from the structure behind the scenes and working outward to the pitch.
Why a Head Coach, Not a Manager?
In a key section of the interview, Thelwell explained why Martin was appointed as Head Coach, not Manager — a clear signal that Rangers are moving toward a continental-style setup.
The job of a manager is very difficult,” he said. “We wanted Russell to focus on preparation, performance and results. I’ll deal with the wider football operation and support services. Together, we believe this approach gives us the best chance of success.
Kevin Thelwell, Director of Football, Rangers Football Club
This clear division of responsibility is part of a more modern football structure. Thelwell’s track record suggests he’s comfortable operating in that system — now it’s about whether it delivers the trophies Rangers fans crave.
Recruitment Strategy: Balance Is Key
Thelwell was also asked about Rangers’ transfer policy, especially the club’s recent focus on younger players with resale value.
He was blunt: “Let’s be clear — we know what the job is. We need to win, and we need to win today.”
He didn’t dismiss the idea of signing young, hungry players, but he was keen to stress that experience and balance are essential. He also confirmed that Dan Purdy, the club’s new Technical Director, will lead on recruitment across all teams.
Every good football club needs to develop players, sell for a profit, and reinvest in the team. But it can’t be too young — or too old. We need balance.
Kevin Thelwell, Director of Football, Rangers Football Club
The Academy and Women’s Team
With a background in youth development, Thelwell is placing serious emphasis on building a stronger Academy and providing a pathway to the first team. He also highlighted the women’s team, praising their recent success and promising more attention and resources to help them grow.
I’ve been an academy manager and head of youth before — I know how important this is. Young players must see a future here. It’s about giving them real chances. We want all of our teams to be successful. We’ll work with the staff to build provision and aim for even greater success.
Kevin Thelwell, Director of Football, Rangers Football Club
Looking Ahead
When asked what success looks like, Thelwell didn’t hesitate:
We need to win, don’t we? And we’re all committed to that. Hopefully fans will see that we’re building a group of people capable of delivering it.
Kevin Thelwell, Director of Football, Rangers Football Club
Rangers fans have heard big words before. But Thelwell’s calm, direct style and swift decisions have given supporters a glimpse of a more professional and ambitious setup behind the scenes.
It’s early days — and the pressure will ramp up quickly — but Kevin Thelwell has had a very good first week. Now the real work begins.
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