Kevin Thelwell is perhaps set to play an even more crucial role than ever before this summer after being appointed by Rangers.
The Bears’ new sporting director will work with both the 49ers and Andrew Cavenagh, as well as Russell Martin, as the Govan outfit prepares to enter a new era.
Rangers finished a distant 17 points behind their city rivals last term, amid what felt like a wasted season on many levels for the Ibrox club.
A similar story will not be tolerated this time around, and Thelwell must ensure that Rangers do not continue to fall into the same old habits that have delivered them poor results previously.
Thelwell wants to build a new transfer model
It’s hard to argue with the fact that there have been far too many disappointing transfer dealings at Ibrox in recent years.
Rangers have spent their money poorly on the whole, and that has been reflected on the pitch.
They have unearthed a few gems here and there in the likes of Nico Raskin and Hamza Igamane, but for the most part, they have made plenty of mistakes in the transfer market.
That appears to be something that Thelwell and the 49ers are determined to change this summer.
Thelwell and the new American owners are both keen to revamp the club’s transfer dealings by building a better model in which to conduct their business, according to The Scottish Sun (20 June).
Rangers have now recognised the fact that there is a need to provide better protection for the club’s interests, when it comes to the futures of stars like Raskin, rather than just aiming for profit under the old board.
A revamp was needed for Rangers to catch Celtic
Martin will immediately be under pressure to work towards catching Celtic next term, even if it will be his first year at the helm at Ibrox.
The Bhoys have claimed 14 of the last 15 Premiership titles, with Steven Gerrard overseeing the Gers’ solitary success in that period.
However, Thelwell’s new model could potentially hold the key to Rangers beginning to close the gap on their rivals.
Transfer models often don’t bear their fruit overnight, but over time, if they can establish a more measured and considered plan for their business, then it should result in significantly better decision-making when it comes to players.
Hopefully, that leads to more success on the pitch.
