Rangers

Image source, SNS

Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh showed a "ruthless streak" by sacking chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell but faces "huge pressure" to get the appointment of replacements right, according to Rangers Review editor Joshua Barrie.

The journalist told BBC Scotland's Scottish Football Podcast there is "not much they have got right" since the "hope and optimism" around the summer takeover by Cavenagh's US-based consortium.

"Although Andrew Cavenagh doesn't want to make a habit of fronting up to mistakes, it is a positive that he is fronting up to mistakes and owning them instead of getting someone else to do it and staying over the pond in America," Barrie said. "What comes next will define their legacy."

Stewart had been in post since December while Thelwell was lined up several months before his arrival in the summer and the appointment of Russell Martin as head coach.

Of Stewart, Barrie said: "When he arrived, he was seen as this experienced figurehead who should bring to a close an era of off-field drama dominating at Ibrox and I would say it is very arguable that that has only increased."

Martin became so unpopular before his sacking he required a police escort from a match while Stewart and Thelwell were confronted by fans at hotels and were subjected to supporter protests.

"The managerial search shredded any credibility," Barrie said.

"Rangers needed to do two things right this summer - they needed to strengthen the squad and build a new spine to the squad that lacked leadership.

"They spent a lot of money not doing that and got their head coach appointment so dramatically wrong. Ultimately, there needed to be a fall guy for that."

Rangers had missed the opportunity to take advantage of "the weakest Celtic team in some time".

And, although Martin's replacement Danny Rohl "has lifted the mood somewhat", the German had merely done well to get four domestic wins out of players who struggled to beat bottom club Livingston at home at the weekend.

We asked for your views after Rangers sacked chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell.

Here's what some of you said:

Marc: Should have happened when Russell Martin was sacked. They've wasted millions on substandard players and £8m of that on a player whose record was suspect.

Steven: Most welcome announcement, but if I'm going to be 'that guy' it smacks a little of the Martin debacle for me. Far too late in making the big decisions that needed to be made. I hope the guys at the top started their due diligence before making this decision - January is fast approaching and Danny Rohl will need support in moving on the flotsam and jetsam that he arrived to and maybe getting some of his own players in.

Andy: Best news since Martin leaving. These two brought nothing but poor quality and weak minds to Rangers. Hopefully their replacements will have a clue and not be another pair of chancers. Hopefully something can be salvaged from a horrible season.

Alain: Christmas come early for Rangers fans! The two of them only succeeded in taking the club backwards with their ridiculous appointments and signings - good riddance!

Alex: This has been inevitable and has taken too long to actually happen. Both appointments have been an absolute disaster for the club and unfortunately their negative impact will be felt for some time.

John: Better late than never, these people have cost the club a lot of money and goodwill of supporters. Let's move on and build a Rangers team to be proud of again.

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

I thought I was only going to have the 2-1 victory over Livingston to talk about. However, the removal of Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell was very welcome.

Stewart was never impressive and did not improve during his tenure as chief executive. He was just there. That's how I saw him.

Thelwell's deficiencies were glaring. There was the hiring of Russell Martin, the shambolic squad building and player recruitment over the summer. And then the appointment of his son and Dan Purdy to recruitment roles.

I'm really pleased he will no longer be overseeing the January window. But, and it's a big but, the owners now have to get the correct people in the correct positions.

I said it when the takeover happened and they obviously didn't - that's why we are where we are. Now the focus is on them to get it right.

Back to the football; it wasn't great against Livingston by any stretch, but it was three points and a fourth league win on the bounce.

All we can do now is go into Thursday hoping we turn up in Europe for once, and then continue the little run we are on in the Premiership against a stuffy Falkirk side.

It's one step at a time. We can't be kidding ourselves about possibly getting into title contention at this point. We need to get through to January winning as much as we can and take it from there.

David Weir is the favourite with some bookmakers to become Rangers' new sporting director despite the former Ibrox defender only recently taking up a similar role with Strasbourg. (Glasgow Times), external

Former Rangers striker Steven Naismith is happy to have stayed on as part of Scotland's coaching team heading to the World Cup having been asked to become part of Russell Martin's Ibrox coaching team before his sacking as head coach. (The Warm-Up podcast), external

Livingston assistant manager Marvin Bartley believes his side were denied a blatant penalty for hand ball in their defeat by Rangers but says he was told that VAR John Beaton decided centre-half Emmanuel Fernandez "was in close proximity to the ball when it was struck" and "there was nothing to be reviewed". (Daily Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Rangers have dispensed with Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell because they think "different executives" can do a better job, chairman Andrew Cavenagh has indicated.

Chief executive Stewart and sporting director Thelwell were appointed before Cavenagh's US-based consortium took control this summer and they are now looking to bring in their own recruits.

In a Sky Sports interview, Cavenagh was asked to clarify what he meant in his official statement, in which he said the Scottish Premiership club needed something "different" than either man could offer.

"I don't think it is appropriate to compare and contrast in what they did and didn't do right and what we're looking for in the future, so I will keep it simple to say, as we look forward, we want different executives to lead the transformation of the club," he replied.

"They were always in alignement with the strategy that we were trying to execute, but we think there are different executives that can help move the strategy forward differently."

Cavenagh wanted "to be really careful not to throw dirt on either of them" and praised their professionalism and hard work for Rangers.

Asked if fan protests against both men had a bearing on the club's decision, Cavenagh insisted that, while he valued fan input: "We have come to this decision based on our own data, our own review, our own analysis."

Rangers appointed Danny Rohl as head coach last month after dispensing with Russell Martin after a disappointing 17 games in charge, but now Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe have turned their attention to other parts of the club.

"Our focus in the first part of our ownership period has been on the sporting side and that's where all of our attention went for obvious reasons," Cavenagh added.

"With Danny coming in, he has started to improve the on-pitch performance and that has created a space to allow Paraag and I to look at other parts of the club with new eyes and assess what we need going forward and that's what's led to this change.

"I think it is very much us being hands on. I think responsible change has to be measured - I don't think you can come in and tear something apart all at once, or you're likely to get something wrong.

"We have taken six months to make these changes and think they are the right changes for the club."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Rangers picked up another important three points at home to Livingston, and they've got one player in my team of the week.

An assist for Rangers' opening goal from captain James Tavernier who continues to show his worth to the team.

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

Image source, SNS

Although Rangers supporters have been hollering for change at the top of the club pretty much all season, the move on Monday will have come as a shock.

It was only late last month when Andrew Cavenagh voiced his backing for Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell.

"They do retain my full support," he said at the time. Cavenagh accepted that mistakes had been made at the club, but there was no hint of the drama to come. "It's Patrick, it's Kevin, it's myself, it's Paraag," he said, Paraag Marathe being the Rangers vice-chairman.

Stewart and Thelwell were deeply unpopular among the Rangers support, both of them being confronted by angry supporters on recent away trips in Europe while also being the subject of mass and noisy protest at games.

Thelwell, as sporting director, has spent a relative fortune on players since the owners took over, north of £30m according to club sources. Many of those players - most especially the £8m striker, Youssaf Chermiti - have not performed as yet.

The recruitment has been lavish and unsuccessful and the blame for that is at Thelwell's door.

Spending £8m on an unproven Chermiti from Everton is still a source of mystification. The reported £4m forked out for Oliver Antman and the £3.5m spent on Thelo Aasgaard does not look like smart business so far either.

Rangers' domestic results are improving under new head coach Danny Rohl, but the quality of the football is still turgid.

Cavenagh has said he is hopeful that these players will come good but did not elaborate on what has changed since he gave his backing to Stewart and Thelwell last month. Nor has he explained why he now thinks that they are not aligned with the vision of the club.

This, it is clear, is a double dismissal, not a resignation by mutual consent. It is understood that, while Cavenagh is fully aware of the views of the supporters - how could he not be? - the decision to remove Stewart and Thelwell is not based on what he saw and heard from fans.

There is no explanation on precisely why this decision has been reached, beyond vague references to alignment and Cavenagh made a point of saying that he would not throw dirt in the direction of the now ex-Rangers men.

As it stands, there will be no further exits from Ibrox, so Thelwell's son, Robbie, remains as head of recruitment. Dan Purdy stays on as technical director and Nathan Fisher is being kept on as chief scout.

The process of appointing a new chief executive and a new sporting director will be led by Cavenagh and Marathe.

At Rangers, it's a relentless churn. Another new chief executive and another sporting director/director of football are being sought.

Stability off the field is proving just as elusive as success on the field.

Rangers have removed chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell from their posts with immediate effect.

Rangers fans, we want to know what you make of the news.

Are you happy to see the pair gone? What have you made of their time at Rangers?

Let us know your thoughts

Watch the Sportscene panel analyse Emmanuel Fernandez's goal for Rangers against Livingston in the Scottish Premiership.

Kilmarnock are prepared to listen to offers in January for David Watson, who is of interest to Rangers, as they see it as their last chance to raise important funds from the sale of the 20-year-old midfielder who is out of contract next summer. (Football Insider), external

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl says Nedim Bajrami could still have a future at Ibrox after the attacking midfielder made his first appearance under the German as a substitute in Saturday's 2-1 win over Livingston. (Scottish Sun), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Watch all the highlights from Rangers' 2-1 victory over Livingston in the Scottish Premiership.

Available to UK users only

We asked for your views on Rangers' 2-1 victory over Livingston on Saturday.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Stuart: A hard fought victory. Not good on the eye but at least the three points were secured. Again James Tavernier and Nasser Djiga were a liability, hopefully Dujon Sterling can replace Tav and we can send Djiga back in January.

Louise: It was a good start taking an early lead but turned into a hard watch, however, winning ugly is still three points. We must take the positive that Danny Rohl is still winning domestic games but there is clearly still a lot of work to be done.

Allan: Difficult to break down that defence, which made the performance look worse than it was. I think Livi should have had a penalty, but Rangers deserved to win. Happy to get three points. We need more strength in depth in the squad.

Edwin: After so many dodgy refereeing decisions going against us, you would think Rangers fans would be happy to see some going our way. I'm not, though. We shouldn't be relying on bad decisions to beat teams like Livi.

David: Despite the three points it was backward steps. Desperately poor. Rohl must be wondering what he has to do to get a real tune out of this squad.

Bob: Unfortunately the Russell Martin farce has left us bereft of quality all over the pitch. I hope Danny Rohl gets the time to correct the mistakes. Injuries didn't help but defence looks weak and the attack toothless - not a good combination.

Steven: This is the weakest, softest Rangers team I can remember. I don't just mean the goals they concede but all over the park, we're second best in challenges and physicality. Oliver Antman and Thelo Aasgaard are empty shirts and I don't understand how the likes of Connor Barron and Lyall Cameron are sitting on the bench - at least these boys put in a shift and get stuck in.

Image source, SNS

Emmanuel Fernandez is determined to grab his chance at Rangers after an inauspicious start to his Ibrox career.

The 24-year-old centre-back was signed from Peterborough in the summer for a reported fee of £3m, but only appeared twice under Russell Martin.

It was only after injuries to John Souttar and Derek Cornelius that he made his first start under new boss Danny Rohl, against Livingston at Ibrox on Saturday.

Fernandez made an early impression by heading in after from a James Tavernier corner after nine minutes.

After making just his fourth appearance, Fernandez looked forward to the Europa League clash with Braga at Ibrox on Thursday.

"I have confidence in myself and belief in myself to be better," he said. "I have got to take my opportunity. If I am playing on Thursday, I have to take it and grab it.

"That would be my first European game, and I can't wait to put my stamp on the game and show what I can do.

"Obviously, it's tough [not playing], but it's something I've experienced before. It makes you grow as a person."

Oscar Cortes could be set for a unexpected return to Rangers, with Sporting Gijon considering the possibility of cutting the 21-year-old winger's loan short. (El Comercio - in Spanish), external

Rangers earned a fourth successive Scottish Premiership win under head coach Danny Rohl, taking the points in controversial fashion to extend Livingston's long winless league run to 11 games.

Read the match report.

Have your say.

Image source, SNS

Rangers manager Danny Rohl tells BBC Scotland: "It was a hard-work performance and a hard-work victory.

"After the goal we start to not concentrate enough and the opponents go behind with a long ball - it was too easy.

"We changed small details at half-time. We are pleased to have the win and that's the most important.

"We told the players at half-time we have to do more, invest more, need more runs without the ball.

"We will analyse the game as always and then go again."

Image source, SNS

New Norwich City manager Philippe Clement reveals he once tried to sign the Canaries' Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean for Rangers. (The Herald - subscription required), external

Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart earned £246,000 in the year to June, while director Fraser Thornton was paid £69,000. (Glasgow Times), external

Calum MacDonald
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Connor Barron is determined to drive Rangers forward this season and earn a place in Scotland's World Cup squad.

The midfielder and clubmates John Souttar and Liam Kelly were part of Steve Clarke's squad as they qualified for next summer's finals with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark on Tuesday.

Barron, a late call-up by Clarke, was an unused substitute in the final two qualifiers but savoured an "unforgettable night" and knows his participation at the World Cup rests on his club performance over the next six months.

The 23-year-old, who has featured in five of Danny Rohl's six matches in charge, said: "A real proud moment for me, an honour to be part of the group, it's one I'll never forget, all to look forward to in the summer and the World Cup.

"The way the game went was spectacular, it's great to see so many smiles on people's faces across the country.

"The plan, first and foremost, is to fix myself into the [Rangers] team, play well and hopefully that comes.

"It's something that's in the back of your head for now. It's down to me doing the work here and performing well to get to the World Cup.

"All I can do is perform well, it's up to the gaffer to pick a squad, it's down to my performances make sure I'm there."

Rangers currently sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership but Barron's experience with the national team gives him belief.

"You can never write football, anything can happen," the 23-year-old said.

"It's important you've got to keep believing, you take every new experience in football and share it with the boys and we're all positive.

"You change your thinking straight back on to club football. We're fully focused on the game and making it four wins from four."

Image source, SNS

Rangers' John Souttar, Derek Cornelius and Mikey Moore could be out for the rest of the year with muscle injuries.

Youngster Bailey Rice has undergone surgery, while Youssef Chermiti and Liam Kelly are doubts.

Findlay Curtis is back after a small injury. Rabbi Matondo (knee), Dujon Sterling (Achilles) and Kieran Dowell (foot) are closing in on comebacks.

Livingston are without Joshua Brenet following his World Cup exploits with Curacao.

Connor McLennan and Scott Pittman are both back in contention, while Ryan McGowan, Cammy Kerr (ankle) and Adam Montgomery (calf) are also edging closer to a return. Aidan Denholm and Shane Blaney (both hamstring) are still out.