Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell insists the club would never sign any player without the approval of new head coach Russell Martin.
Martin was formally unveiled yesterday after agreeing a three-year deal to take charge.
It’s the start of a bold new era under American ownership, with investment of around £20million set to be made on and off the pitch over the summer.
The structure of sporting director and head coach — rather than manager — is new to Rangers, with fans keen to see how that dynamic plays out with regards to recruitment.
With such a massive rebuild on the cards, Thelwell insisted, though, that any new signings will be made as part of a collaborative process. And he claimed it will be very much a team effort where both he and the scouting department will help identify possible targets, before Martin gives the final seal of approval.
‘Put very simply, the way in which we will be organised is we’ve got a head coach and a sporting director,’ said Thelwell, who will also be assisted by new technical director Dan Purdy in recruitment.
Sporting director Kevin Thelwell lays out his vision of how the new-look structure will operate
New manager Martin is flanked by sporting director Thelwell and chief executive Stewart
Martin beams with pride as he makes his first appearance on club business at his unveiling
‘The head coach is responsible for the most important bit; the preparation of the team, performance of the team, results.
‘My role is to try and make sure all the support services that sit around Russell are as strong as they possibly can be to give us the best chance of winning. When we talk about recruitment, clearly, it is going to be a collaborative approach.
‘I’ve never been in this role ever where I have signed a player for the first-team that hasn’t been supported by the head coach or manager. We’ll talk a lot about how we want to play, a lot about profiles we need and what positions we need.
‘Between Russell, myself and the recruitment team, we will sit down and identify players that we think could make us better very quickly. Between us, we will decide about what we do next.’
Having left his role at Everton at the end of last season, Thelwell started his duties at Rangers earlier this week as the club ramped up their search for a head coach.
During his time in England with Wolves and at Goodison Park, he watched from afar as Martin carved out a reputation as a bright young coach whose teams played modern and possession-based football.
Describing the 39-year-old as the outstanding candidate, Thelwell said: ‘We’ve got exactly the right candidate that’s a perfect fit for Rangers FC. From my perspective, I’ve seen Russell’s team play for many years.
‘Particularly, if I look back at his Championship season — and also the Premier League season with Southampton — there was a lot to be proud of.
Martin is the man charged with the responsibility of making Rangers competitive once again
‘There’s a lot that fits Rangers going forward. Russell’s explained quite clearly about what he thinks Rangers need in games.
‘We need to be dominating in all moments of the game. I’m delighted that we were able to have those conversations and pleased that he’s now sat next to me getting ready to work.
‘We wanted to make sure we made as strong a decision as we possibly could. But we also appreciate there’s now a pre- season on the horizon and European games coming thick and fast.
‘It was clear to all of us from the start that Russell was the outstanding candidate, so we’re delighted he’s joined us. He’s had a strong career, over 250 games both as a manager or head coach.
‘Over the course of that journey, he has sharpened his approach, from a technical and tactical perspective — but also from a personal perspective.
‘I’m very excited to see what he’s going to bring to Rangers and the team is very much looking forward to working with him.’
Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart added: ‘Our criteria for our next coach were clear: we wanted a coach who will excel in terms of how we want to play, improve our culture, develop our squad, and ultimately win matches. Russell was the standout candidate.
‘This appointment is about building a winning team and a strong culture. He is no stranger to our club. We expect success and Russell knows that. We are excited for his leadership.’
Club chairman Andrew Cavenagh added: ‘I am delighted to welcome Russell to Rangers. This was a thorough, rigorous process and Russell impressed throughout.
‘His appointment embodies the club’s goal of attracting top talent, empowering them, and supporting them.
‘We believe that Russell can improve on-pitch performance while also helping build the culture and infrastructure necessary for consistent and long-term success.’
