Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell AXED by Rangers as owners finally bow to fan pressure

Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell have been sensationally sacked by Rangers.

The club's chief executive and sporting director were told of the decision over the weekend and no longer work for the club.

Although the club's American owners backed both men in public as recently as last month when Danny Rohl was unveiled as manager, they've now been shown the door with Rangers now seeking individuals who 'align with the vision for the next chapter'.

The process is now underway to identify their replacements with chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chair Paraag Marathe leading the hunt. Until the vacancies are filled, director Fraser Thornton will assume the role of acting CEO.

Both Thelwell and Stewart became targets of fan protests in recent months with confrontations taking place in hotel lobbies and airport departure lounges.

Supporters were angered at their part in the disastrous appointment of Russell Martin as manager - with the underwhelming recruitment Thelwell signed off on also a bone of contention.

Stewart, who previously worked at Manchester United, took up his role at Ibrox last December.

Thelwell, arrived in April, having filled a similar role at Everton. While the American consortium came in after that, they signed off on his appointment.

Chairman Cavenagh said: 'Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell are leaving Rangers Football Club.

'Responsible change is measured and steady. Our first priority has been to improve the sporting performance, and that led to our decision to part ways with Russell (Martin) and bring in Danny (Rohl). 

'Danny has now started the process of improving the on-pitch performance, and that has given us the chance to focus on other parts of the club.

'Patrick and Kevin are both skilled executives and have delivered a lot for the club in their time with it. 

'We've now had six months since we became part of Rangers to assess the club's needs as well as to get to know Patrick and Kev a bit more. 

'Simply put, when we think about what we need in both CEO and sporting director today, it's different than who we think Patrick and Kev are.

'We want people that align with the vision for the next chapter. I will not throw dirt on either of them. I think very highly of them both on personal and professional levels.

'It's just the reality that the club needs different things today than it did six months ago.

'We've already started the hiring process and hope to have appointments soon, but we will prioritise quality and fit over speed. 

'I want to reassure our supporters that Danny will continue to have all the support that he needs. In the interim, Fraser Thornton, our director, will be assuming the duties as acting CEO.

'Change like this is always painful, especially when it involves people we care about. But at the same time, we're very excited about this opportunity to bring in fresh leadership to this great club. We appreciate everyone's continued support.'

Thelwell has been involved in bringing some key figures to the club including his son Robbie, who joined as head of recruitment, and Dan Purdy, the Everton's former head of recruitment who became technical director. Both are staying at Rangers.