The Three Potential Candidates to Replace Sacked Rangers F.C. Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell
Rangers F.C. find themselves at another crossroads following the dismissal of sporting director Kevin Thelwell.
His departure has opened the door for a crucial appointment as the club looks to stabilise its football operations and regain momentum both domestically and in Europe.
With recruitment strategy, long-term planning, and squad rebuilding all hanging in the balance, identifying the right successor has become a top priority for the Rangers board.
Several names have already emerged as early frontrunners. Here are three potential candidates who could take the reins at Ibrox:
1. Ross Wilson (Former Nottingham Forest and Rangers Executive)
A familiar face to Rangers supporters, Ross Wilson has been linked with a possible return to Ibrox. Wilson previously held the role between 2019 and 2023, overseeing the recruitment period that produced the backbone of Rangers’ 2021–22 Europa League finalists. His experience within the club’s structure and his established relationships could make him an appealing short-term stabiliser. With his recent Nottingham Forest spell now behind him, a comeback is not out of the question.
2. Nils Schmadtke (Former Sporting Director at VfL Wolfsburg)
The German football executive has gained a positive reputation for modern recruitment methods, squad optimisation, and youth-focused development. Schmadtke’s track record in the Bundesliga, combined with his data-driven approach, aligns with what many Premiership clubs are now seeking. Rangers may view him as a forward-thinking candidate capable of reshaping the club’s sporting department with a more analytical, long-term vision.
3. Will Kelleher (Brighton & Hove Albion Recruitment Department)
Kelleher has been part of Brighton’s highly respected recruitment setup — a structure praised across Europe for its talent identification, strategic scouting, and player development success. Although relatively young in comparison to other candidates, Kelleher represents a modern pick: someone who prioritises smart scouting, value signings, and long-term sustainability. His appointment would signal Rangers’ intention to modernise their football operations in line with European best practices.
What Comes Next for Rangers?
The choice of sporting director will shape the club’s direction in the coming years. Whether Rangers opt for an experienced hand like Wilson, a European strategist like Schmadtke, or a progressive recruiter like Kelleher, the next appointment must restore stability and deliver a clear football identity.
With the January transfer window approaching, the Rangers board will be under pressure to move quickly — and decisively — as they search for the right leader to rebuild the club from the top down.
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