In a fresh Gers update on the potential arrival of Steven Gerrard at Ibrox, reports are now indicating that Teddy Bears chief, Kevin Thelwell, has been asked to change his role slightly at Rangers.
Who could join Gerrard at Rangers?
It looks as though Gerrard is almost certain to become the next Rangers manager at this stage.
The Liverpool legend is reportedly on the brink of an agreement and his backroom staff is already a topic of discussion in Glasgow. After admitting the need to lean on his staff, the Gers could yet welcome back some more familiar faces in the coming days.
According to recent reports, Gary McAllister and Jermain Defoe are likely to join Gerrard by returning to Rangers and the incoming boss also wants to bring former England coach Steve Holland to the club. Perhaps in an ideal world for Gerrard personally, Michael Beale would be coming back to his role as assistant, but his return to the club would not be as welcomed.
Getting things right in every department, from the manager to the rest of his staff, should be a top priority for the 49ers.
The last thing they need is to fail twice in their first year in Scotland, having already watched Russell Martin crash and burn.
Gerrard’s arrival should steady the ship after such a disastrous start. Whether it’s enough to keep hold of the likes of Nicolas Raskin is another question, however. Recent transfer rumours have suggested that Besiktas are ready to rescue the midfielder as soon as January in what would be an early blow for the new manager.
After telling one Ibrox chief to change his role upon his arrival, though, it’s the type of situation that Gerrard will be hoping to avoid.
Steven Gerrard tells Kevin Thelwell to adjust Rangers role
According to talkSPORT, with his return drawing near, Gerrard has indirectly told Kevin Thelwell to adjust his role as sporting director, with the incoming new manager demanding a “decisive say” on transfers and Rangers’ recruitment drive.
Whilst Martin received his fair share of criticism in the summer, Thelwell hasn’t exactly enjoyed an impressive start to life at Rangers.
The sporting director helped bring as many as 14 fresh faces to Glasgow in the summer transfer window, and it’s difficult to pick one name other than Djeidi Gassama who has got off to a positive start.
Former Rangers ace Kris Boyd recognised that when Martin’s tenure came to an end.
“The English Championship and lower leagues, it has failed Rangers. James Tavernier and Connor Goldson came out of it — you can say plus points.
“The rest, Todd Cantwell was one of the best players in the Championship, Tom Lawrence was one of the best players in the Championship, Ben Davies, there’s been loads come up. Gassama looks as if he’s got something, the rest we’re yet to see it.”
Whether Gerrard’s influence turns things around on the recruitment front is now the big question, as Thelwell looks to turn his own poor start around at Ibrox.