2 weeks Ago By Jonathon Moar
RANGERS last night confirmed Kevin Thelwell as the club's new sporting director. And it looks like his previous position is about to be filled by a former CELTIC transfer guru. 4 Kevin Thelwell (left) is Rangers' new sporting director Credit: Getty 4 Nick Hammond was in charge of Celtic's transfer business for under two years Credit: The Sun Experienced Thelwell, 51, was confirmed as Rangers sporting director on Wednesday evening .
He'll officially join the Light Blues when his contract at Everton expires this summer. Thelwell has been working as director of football at Goodison Park since 2022, returning to English football after a spell in the USA with New York Red Bulls. Prior to heading across the Atlantic, Thelwell had a successful spell with Wolves , overseeing the club's transformation post-takeover in 2016 and promotion to the Premier League .
READ MORE FOOTBALL IN IT TO WIN IT Rangers and Cavenagh/49ers consortium break silence in joint statement FIRM OFFER Football free bets for Rangers and Celtic games PLUS bonuses and sign-up offers A potentially similar operation stands ahead for Thelwell at Ibrox, where a huge takeover is of course close to completion. Rangers last night officially acknowledged talks with incoming US investors Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises for the first time. In a joint statement, the two groups confirmed "productive conversations.
" Thelwell's arrival as sporting director will be the first major confirmation of big changes at Rangers in the coming weeks and months. Most read in Football ALL CHANGE Rangers have new kit brand after five years with Castore as CEO confirms change LOCAL HERO Scots footballer dies at 35 after coming out of retirement to help local club WELL-COME TO IBROX Rangers announce new sporting director ahead of imminent 49ers takeover IN IT TO WIN IT Rangers and Cavenagh/49ers consortium break silence in joint statement As well as the takeover, there is of course the decision on who to appoint as the next Gers manager. Barry Ferguson has been in interim charge since Philippe Clement was dramatically sacked in February .
Will Adam Idah still be at Celtic next season after failing to take Kyogo's jersey There's also plenty of change going on at Everton, the club Thelwell is moving on from to join Rangers. The Toffees were taken over at the end of last year by a US consortium of their own, the Friedkin Group. They'll also move into their new Everton Stadium home next season.
In terms of major top level appointments, the club have already poached Angus Kinnear from Leeds. He'll leave his post as chief executive at Elland Road to take up the same role at Everton. And it looks like the Toffees are preparing to raid Leeds - owned by 49ers Enterprises - AGAIN to replace Thelwell.
Several reports say that Nick Hammond is the man Everton have identified as who they want to replace Thelwell as director of football. A report last night from reporter Ben Jacobs claims an agreement is in place. While Hammond may not directly replace Thelwell, he is expected to take on similar responsibilities.
Hammond is of course a former Celtic chief. 4 Having initially joined in a consultancy role with regards to recruitment in the summer of 2019, Hammond was appointed the Hoops' head of operations in October that year. He would spend less than two years at Parkhead, however, and departed the role in March 2021.
Hammond quit Celtic during a rather turbulent season for the club. The summer transfer window in 2020 was an extremely unsuccessful one, with the Hoops' big name signings all failing to impress. That was the window when the likes of flop goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas, defender Shane Duffy and striker Albian Ajeti all joined the club.
Read more on the Scottish Sun LOVE IT The £10 Home Bargains buy that instantly gives your front door summer love vibes Brand Bust Love Islander resigns from fashion brand with £139k debt as prices are slashed Celtic would fail to secure a 10th league title in a row as Rangers were crowned champions for the first time in a decade. Hammond took up a transfer consultancy role with Newcastle in 2021 before moving to Leeds two years ago. 4 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page.
