Rangers Football Club has parted ways with chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell, effective immediately, as the new US-led consortium under Andrew Cavenagh signals a bold reset in leadership. Announced on November 21, 2025, the move—where Rangers sack CEO Stewart & Sporting Director Thelwell—stems from a “vision misalignment” after six months of assessment. This shake-up follows a turbulent season marked by Russell Martin’s October dismissal after a dismal start (8th, 11 points off Hearts) and Danny Rohl’s appointment. With Fraser Thornton stepping in as interim CEO, Cavenagh’s group aims to refocus on on-pitch success amid fan frustration over transfers and European woes. The decision, while respectful of the duo’s contributions, underscores a pivot toward stability and ambition at Ibrox.
Key Details of the Leadership Change
- Departures: Patrick Stewart (CEO since December 2024); Kevin Thelwell (since July 2025)
- Interim Role: Fraser Thornton (current director) as CEO
- Ownership: Andrew Cavenagh’s US consortium (majority since June 2025)
- Rationale: “Vision for next chapter different from Patrick and Kev”
- No Further Changes: Robbie Thelwell (head of recruitment), Dan Purdy (technical director), Nathan Fisher (chief scout) stay
- Club Form: 4th (23 pts, 9 behind Hearts); Europa League last (0 pts, 4 losses)
This isn’t a knee-jerk reaction—it’s a calculated recalibration after a summer of £30m+ spend yielding limited returns.
The Turbulent Tenure: From Martin’s Sacking to Rohl’s Revival
Stewart (ex-Man Utd CEO, SPFL board member) joined December 2024—brief 11 months. Thelwell (ex-Everton DoF, NY Red Bulls) started July 2025—4 months.
Season start: Martin’s 17-game spell (October sacking)—8th, poor form. Fan protests: “Stewart out” banners.
Rohl’s arrival: Improved—4 wins in 5; Europa League struggles (4-0 losses to Leverkusen, Frankfurt).
Cavenagh: “Six months assessing—needs different today. Patrick/Kev skilled; delivered much. Highly regard them.”
No mutual parting—dismissal. Cavenagh/Marathe lead search.
Why Now? Vision Misalignment and Transfer Fallout
New owners (June 2025): Comprehensive review—sporting performance priority.
Thelwell’s recruitment: £30m+ summer (Chermiti £8m, Antman £4m, Aasgaard £3.5m)—limited impact. Chermiti: 1 goal in 12; Antman peripheral.
Stewart: Commercial push; but European flops (0 pts, 12 conceded) fuel discontent.
Cavenagh: “Improve on-pitch—Martin gone, Rohl in. Now infrastructure.”
Fan anger: Protests; “Thelwell out” chants. Cavenagh: “Not fan-driven—club needs.”
Interim Stability: Thornton’s Role and No Wider Purge
Thornton (director): Interim CEO—steady hand during search.
No further exits: Robbie Thelwell (recruitment), Purdy (technical), Fisher (scout) stay.
Cavenagh: “Measured change—steady. Focus quality/fit over speed.”
Rohl: “Support appreciated—focus pitch.”
Europa League: Last (0 pts, 4 losses)—Rohl’s two: 0-4 Frankfurt, 0-2 Leverkusen.
Domestic: 4th (23 pts, 9 behind Hearts)—recovery under Rohl.
Looking Ahead: New Leadership, Rohl’s Challenge
Search: Cavenagh/Marathe lead—emphasize alignment.
Rangers: Europa last-16 play-off (February 2026); PL title push.
Cavenagh: “Break cycle—stable future. Fans deserve.”
Stewart/Thelwell: “Delivered much—high regard.”
Verdict: Bold Reset – Rangers’ Ambition Ignited
Rangers sack CEO Stewart & Sporting Director Thelwell: Vision pivot—turbulent tenure ends.
Cavenagh’s consortium: Measured change—on-pitch priority.
Rohl’s revival: Domestic upturn; Europe fix needed.
Ibrox future: Stability + success—fans crave.
