Rangers

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Kevin Thelwell is confident of bringing "real progress" to Rangers after being confirmed as the club's new sporting director.

The Englishman, 51, will take up his role at Ibrox in the summer after a three-year spell with Everton.

"This is a huge honour for me to be joining a club with the size, stature and expectations of Rangers," Thelwell said.

"I know how much Rangers means to so many people, and that brings both responsibility and motivation.

"Rangers needs to win. That's the bottom line. There's a strong foundation already in place, and I look forward to working closely with the teams across the men's, women's and academy programmes to build something that delivers consistently.

"Of course there's important work ahead, especially in men's first-team structure, but we'll approach it with energy and purpose. While change takes time, I'm confident that we can make real progress. I can't wait to get started."

Thelwell is an "outstanding candidate with terrific experience in the Premier League and the MLS," says CEO Patrick Stewart.

Thelwell, who was formerly head of sport at New York Red Bulls and sporting director at Wolves, will have responsibility for all areas of Rangers' football operation, including men's, women's and academy.

"I am delighted to be welcoming Kevin to the club following a rigorous recruitment process," said Stewart.

"Our football review quickly identified the need to appoint a sporting director, and in Kevin, we have found an outstanding candidate with terrific experience in the Premier League and the MLS.

"It will be the role of Kevin, with the full support of myself and the board to lead our football department and deliver the results our supporters expect and deserve."

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Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

Rangers supporters must be willing the season to end now that their European dream has been extinguished and only five all-but-meaningless league fixtures remain as their city rivals Celtic prepare to clinch a 55th title and very possibly a ninth treble.

They must also be desperate to see the takeover by 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Kavanagh go through to allow the club to begin to put in place the managerial infrastructure required to restore Rangers' fortunes.

Gretar Steinsson, technical director at 49ers Enterprises having left a similar role at Leeds United last year, has been a regular spectator at Rangers games recently and would appear likely to play an important role in appointing key figures at Ibrox if and when the takeover goes through.

A sporting director would be the obvious position to be filled first - Everton's Kevin Thelwell, external is being strongly linked - with chief executive Patrick Stewart having stated that was the model the club intended to pursue, ahead of a new manager or head coach being appointed.

Time is clearly of the essence and you would imagine those behind the takeover will already have a number of their ducks in a row in terms of bringing in the people they want swiftly to then allow the major work required in the playing department to commence.

For now, it will be interesting to see how Barry Ferguson approaches the games to come. He has already shown a willingness to give young players an opportunity and that could continue or increase to allow them some experience over the next month.

It has been a pitiful season for Rangers, but the impending takeover at least allows for some level of optimism for the beleaguered fanbase.

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Kevin Thelwell, who has worked with Everton, Wolves and New York Red Bulls, is in line for a key role at Rangers (Mail), external.

The appointment of a new sporting director at Rangers is close. (Record), external

St Mirren vice-chairman Jim Gillespie has turned down offers from England since also rejecting the chance to become Rangers chief executive. (Sun), external

Former Rangers and Scotland defender Russell Martin is on Leicester's shortlist should they sack manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. (Sky Sports), external

Read the rest of Wednesday's Scottish gossip column.

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

Unfortunately for us, the season is now over. But given how shambolic it has been from the Hampden/Ibrox debacle until now, this Rangers team getting to a European quarter-final is quite the achievement.

The second leg at San Mames was always going to be tough, but when Ridvan Yilmaz got an early injury and Mohamed Diomande was moved to left wing-back when he was the only player who was getting us up the pitch, you knew it was going to be a long night.

And then when you factor in the Dani Vivian shirt pull on Cyriel Dessers and handball by Yeray Alvarez inside the box rejected by the ref and VAR, the semi-final place was never happening.

But all we can do now is try to win the remaining five league matches and I would like to see guys like Clinton Nsiala, Findlay Curtis, Hamza Igamane and Bailey Rice start the majority of games.

I've seen enough of Dessers in attack to last a lifetime, Robin Propper wouldn't play for me either and that's just two of them.

On a positive note, the takeover seems to be edging closer and I hope they have their ducks in a row with the key appointments within the club.

At least we may see something different going into next season, because it quite frankly cannot be possible for them to produce worse than we have seen this campaign.

Five more 90 minutes to go and I can't wait for that final whistle at Easter Road on the last day.

Leeds United's confirmed promotion has removed a potential barrier to Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises' takeover of Rangers as Premier League rules over joint ownership are less restrictive than for clubs in the English Football League. (Scottish Sun), external

Celtic, who qualified for the knockout play-off round of the Champions League, banked £16m more from European performance payments this season than Rangers, who made it to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. (The National), external

Athletic Bilbao, who knocked Rangers out of the Europa League last week, could help the Ibrox club qualify for a later stage of next season's Champions League if the Spanish side go on to lift the trophy this season. (The Herald), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Richard Winton
BBC Sport Scotland

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Three of Hibernian, Dundee United, Aberdeen and St Mirren will join Celtic and Rangers in Europe next season after Brendan Rodgers' treble-chasing side reached the Scottish Cup final.

Had bottom-six sides St Johnstone or Hearts progressed through the last-four stage, they could still have claimed the European place awarded to the cup winners.

But that is no longer a possibility, which adds another layer of intrigue to the post-split fixtures in the top half of the division.

So what do we know?

Well, Celtic have secured a place in the Champions League qualifiers and will enter at the play-off round assuming they clinch the title.

Rangers will almost certainly be in that competition, too, but at the second qualifying round stage.

After that, there remains a wee bit of uncertainty.

The Scottish Cup winners earn a spot in the Europa League play-off round, so if Aberdeen upset Celtic at Hampden on 24 May, that's straightforward.

However, should the holders retain the trophy, the place would go to whoever finishes third in the league.

Currently, that's Hibs. But United and Aberdeen and St Mirren - albeit the arithmetic is hugely against them - are still in the mix.

Given whoever it is would be guaranteed - at worst - a six-game Conference League campaign, it's a lucrative prize for their season's work.

But two of the clubs who miss out on third would still be rewarded.

Fourth place would be upgraded from Conference League second qualifying round to the Europa League equivalent, with the Conference spot going to fifth place.

Read more: Premiership quartet fight for three European spots

A return to Rangers as manager could be on the cards for Steven Gerrard, who still has plenty of admirers at Ibrox, but like the Englishman, Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho would be open to taking the job providing soon-to-be new owners, the San Francisco 49ers, promise to back him with new additions. (TeamTalk), external

American healthcare tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises have secured a route to purchase a controlling stake in Rangers, having finalised shares to take over a 51% ownership at the Scottish Premiership club. (The Herald), external

Bus tycoon Sandy Easdale's shares will now not be required after the American consortium looking to buy Rangers agreed deals for a 51% stake and remains on course to conclude the multi-million pound takeover by the end of May. (Scottish Sun), external

Rangers' big money takeover is edging ever closer, but Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises are leaving it really late in terms of putting down the building blocks to make themselves competitive with champions Celtic in time for the start of the next season. (Daily Record), external

Rangers' new manager will be given the financial backing needed to close the gap on Celtic this summer, with 49ers Enterprises arriving as majority owners in June. (Football Insider), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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The PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year has been revealed and two Rangers players have been included.

Centre-back John Souttar and midfielder Nicolas Raskin have been selected by their fellow players.

Souttar has been immense at the back for the Ibrox club who have conceded just 35 goals so far this term - the second fewest in the division.

Raskin has scored just one Premiership goal this season but has set up six and has been an important part of Rangers' Europa League run.

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Rangers midfielder Connor Barron insists the club want to finish their season on a high despite being knocked out of the Europa League.

Barry Ferguson's side conceded two goals to Athletic Bilbao in the San Mames to go out 2-0 on aggregate in their quarter-final tie on Thursday night.

The Ibrox club are looking at a trophyless campaign after missing out on both domestic cups, they also sit 15 points behind leaders Celtic in the top flight with five games remaining.

"Every game you have got to win and that's what we have got to do for the last five," Barron said.

"We've got to go and do our jobs, as always. The last five games are going to be big. We have got to show what we're all about and as I say, that's our job to do, go and win five.

"We've got to go and win every single game. Nothing changes for us. That's our aim from now until the end of the season."

Rangers claim they should have been awarded a penalty at 0-0 in Spain when striker Cyriel Dessers had his shirt pulled and ripped in the penalty box by home defender Yeray Alvarez.

Barron, who replaced the injured Ridvan Yilmaz in the first half, felt the visitors were hard done by on Thursday night.

"I felt so at the time as well [it was a penalty]," he said.

"I was right on the referee, but there's nothing you can do, it's out of our hands when it's their decision, but if we're looking back, it hurts. It hurts a lot.

"Obviously we put so much into the games over both ties and the better team won on the night.

"We've got to hold our hands up for that, but we gave it everything and we're just so disappointed to be out."

We asked for your views on whether Barry Ferguson should remain Rangers manager beyond this season.

Here's what some of you said:

Robert: Barry is a Rangers legend but the job is far too big for him. I hope the takeover happens and we get a massive overhaul on players, especially top defenders, as we need it.

Wullie: Yes, keep Barry as manger or in some role at the club, Rangers need a Rangers man there. The other side across the city have done this with John Kennedy for years and it seems to have worked with them.

Frazer: Barry should get the job, time and again Rangers have made the wrong decision in terms of management. When you watch Barry and the staff, you just see that touchline oozing passion. Whether we're 2-0 up or 2-0 down, the staff are driving that Rangers energy into the players and I've been pleased with their game management. I'd much rather that spirit than a fancy CV. I think that they know the Scottish game better than most that we can bring in, they just need time and investment.

Chris: Ferguson isn't fit to be the manager. His previous experience is pathetic so how does he even get a chance at this job? Inexperienced and inept and will lean on his past to try and get the job. Serious retrograde step if he was appointed.

David: Ferguson hasn't exactly had a stellar career as a manager. This Rangers team were already somehow getting it together in Europe before he came along, so not much of it is down to him. He was brought in to appease the supporters at a difficult time, that shouldn't be the basis for a permanent position.

Calum Macdonald
BBC Sport Scotland in Bilbao

Were Rangers denied a "clear" penalty in the Europa League exit to Athletic Bilbao?

Winger Ianis Hagi certainly believes so, echoing Barry Ferguson's grievances and bemoaning the "big detail" that went against Rangers in the second leg in the San Mames, while admitting the Basque outfit were the better team.

With the game still goalless, Cyriel Dessers had his jersey pulled and ripped in the box by Dani Vivian, only for the referee and VAR to take no action.

Bilbao made the most of that reprieve with a Oihan Sancet penalty on the stroke of half-time and late clincher from Nico Williams to reach the semi-finals.

"I think they played better than us. We have to admit that" said Hagi.

"But obviously, minute 15 away from home, you have a clear penalty. I think that puts us in an advantage, obviously.

"Does that mean that we win? I think they deserve to win in the end. But at this level, small details make the difference and that was a big detail."

BBC Scotland pundit Rory Loy insists it was a "penalty kick all day long".

He added on the Scottish football podcast: "Yes, we recognise that Bilbao were better over the two legs. However, if Rangers go 1-0 up, Bilbao go down to 10 men, Rangers stand a very good chance of going through.

"So while we recognise Bilbao are the best team, you need to have faith not only in the referee, but the VAR. I don't know what they were thinking."

Rangers, under interim boss Barry Ferguson, found it difficult to deal with Athletic's pace and power, but Hagi feels they could have given a better account of themselves.

"We're obviously disappointed, probably because we could have played better," he added.

"And anger, because it was a good chance to win a trophy, and we didn't manage to do that."

We asked for your views on the 2-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao that knocked Rangers out of the Europa League at the quarter-final stage.

Here's what some of you said:

David: The best team won, that's simple facts, but how the shirt pull isn't a penalty - which in turn would be a red card - is ridiculous. A step too far in Europe this season.

Sally: Rangers totally outclassed. John Souttar and Leon Balogan's lack of communication didn't help. James Tavernier has to go, his lack of concentration led to the second goal, he is no longer a role model for younger players. Clinton Nsiala was excellent given his limited time.

Matthew: Where was the fight? Such a disappointing showing. Cyriel Dessers was a complete passenger, think I saw him sprint twice in the entire match. Unfortunately, for all the good we've shown in Europe, this was as poor a performance in the Europa League as I can remember. We've heard so much about how the quality is there, but the mentality needs worked on - neither was shown.

Andrew: Barry Ferguson's got a mentality into the team, but now they need the quality for next year. Another wonderful Euro campaign, but difficult to beat a team propped up by Uefa's officials. Jose Mourinho was right all along.

Phil: Another game of what might have been, but in truth Rangers made it easy for them with their inability to string two or three passes together without giving the ball away needlessly. Roll on next season with a revamped squad and a new manager.

Peter: Denied two penalties sums it up really. A game too many in the end, as we've not got many game-changing substitutes. I thought Barry would have played a similar type of formation as the Fenerbache first leg. Now it's time for a major rebuild and we need someone with a great managerial pedigree.

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Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson: "If I was in Barry Ferguson's shoes now, I'd be looking at the younger players in the next five games.

"Get them into the squad so you can see if they are good enough to step up.

"It's a horrible situation to be in because as a player you always want something to play for."

Former Rangers striker Steven Naismith: "This next month is dead time.

"Until there's confirmation of the takeover, it's going to be really tough to motivate everybody.

"When you've got nothing to play for, subconsciously the level drops."

Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday: "Clearly the squad needs significant investment.

"There's going to be a huge turnover of players and to do that successfully you need money."

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Captain James Tavernier has accepted the blame for the goal that crushed Rangers' Europa League dreams.

As Barry Ferguson's side chased a late equaliser against Athletic Bilbao, Nico Williams got in behind Tavernier to head Oscar de Marcos' cross into the net and send the hosts through to the semis.

"First half we were a shadow of ourselves. We let the occasion get to us," Tavernier told TNT Sports.

"We tried to address it at half-time. We knew we had 45 minutes to address it. The boys tried to give it all but it wasn't enough.

"The second goal is on me, I was organising and switched off for the cross."

Interim boss Ferguson has called for a swift resolution to his future and Tavernier insists he would be happy for the former skipper to be appointed on a permanent basis.

"We have to reflect on this season, it's not been good enough. There's going to be a lot of change, it can only get better," he added.

"I've been really happy since Barry came in, he's steadied the ship and knows the DNA of the club. I'd love to have Barry here next season, it's not up to me."

Image source, SNS

• Rangers have failed to win in their past three games in the Europa League, their last longer winless streak was from 11 March 2021 to 30 September 2021, a run of for games.

• This was James Tavernier's 63rd major European appearance for Rangers, taking him ahead of John Greig and into outright second spot and behind only Allan McGregor (78).

• Rangers have failed to score in their past three games in the Europa League, a run of 329 minutes without a goal.

• Athletic have kept a clean sheet in six of their 12 games, no team has done this more in the Europa League this season.

• Rangers have been eliminated at the quarter-final stage of a European campaign for the first time since the 1987-88 European Cup against FCSB (lost 3-2 on aggregate).

• Athletic have reached the semi-finals of a major European competition for the first time since the 2011-12 Europa League under Marcelo Bielsa.

• In all competitions, Rangers have gone four games without a win (D2 L2) within the same season for the first time since March 2019 (5 under Steven Gerrard).

• Athletic had 15 shots in the first half of this match, their most ever in the first 45 minutes of a Europa League game.

Former Fifa official Keith Hackett is in no doubt that Rangers should have been awarded a penalty after Cyriel Dessers had his shirt ripped by a pull from a defender in Athletic Bilbao's box during last night's Europa League defeat. (Football Insider), external

Nico Raskin says he would only ever leave Rangers for a club that would guarantee him a starting place every week as he seeks a place in the Belgium squad for the 2026 World Cup. (RTBF via Daily Record, external)

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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Calum Macdonald
BBC Sport Scotland in Bilbao

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Rangers defender Leon Balogun has revealed that he fractured his cheekbone in the 2-0 Europa League quarter final defeat by Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.

The Nigerian defender went off early in the second half in Spain, but does not immediately think it has ended his season.

Rangers have five Scottish Premiership games remaining.

"I've fractured my cheekbone again, so it's the fourth time I think in my career," he said. "I knew it straight away and I knew that I had to come off with it.

"I asked the doc if there's any chance for me to stay on, but then the pain normally kicks in five, 10 minutes after and then it's not really nice.

"We'll see how severe, but probably we'll need a little small surgery or something and then a few days rest and then I can go back on with the mask."

Rangers will end the season without a trophy following the defeat in the Basque Country and Balogun admits they were beaten by the better team.

"I think you have to be honest and I don't think we showed enough quality today in order to severely threaten them," the centre-back added.

"We all came here with a lot more expectation probably to ourselves and we did not really live up to it.

"I know this is not what the supporters and the people back home want to hear, but sometimes you have to hold your hands up and I think Bilbao showed that they're the better team.

"Were we hoping for probably a lucky punch."