New sporting director Kevin Thelwell says 'Rangers need to win'

New Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell says the club “need to win” as he prepares to take on the role at Ibrox.

The 51-year-old is currently working at Everton but will leave the Merseyside club at the end of the season to move north.

Rangers confirmed on Wednesday that he will join them in the summer and Thelwell, who also held prominent roles at Wolves and New York Red Bulls prior to moving to Goodison Park three years ago, said he is “excited to play a part in the next chapter of the club’s history.”

He told Rangers’ website: “This is a huge honour for me to be joining a club with the size, stature and expectations of Rangers.

“From the first conversations, it was clear to me how ambitious the club is, and I’m excited to play a part in shaping its next chapter.

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

Chief executive Patrick Stewart, who has been leading the search for a new sporting director to sit “right at the top of the football tree”, added: “I am delighted to be welcoming Kevin to the club following a rigorous recruitment process.

“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.”

Thelwell, who also previously worked for Derby County and Preston North End, has overseen a turbulent three years at Goodison Park.

The Toffees have suffered points deductions and fought against relegation under three different managers.

However, they now appeared to have steadied the ship under David Moyes and sit 13th in the table while preparing to move into a new stadium for next season.

Thelwell revealed in March that he was leaving Everton at the end of the current campaign.

Meanwhile, it has been a very disappointing season at Ibrox with the club sitting well behind Celtic in the Premiership, losing the League Cup final and knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Championship side Queen’s Park with former manager Philippe Clement departing the club after a poor run of results.

One positive has been their European performances as they reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League before being knocked out by Athletic Club last week.

They are set to be under new ownership next season, with health insurance tycoon Andrew Cavanagh and the 49ers Enterprises closing in on a deal to acquire a controlling stake.