Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson leaves to join Nottingham Forest

Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson has left the club to take up a similar role with Nottingham Forest.

The 39-year-old joined the Ibrox club in 2019 and was in the role when they won the Scottish Premiership in 2021 and reached the Europa League final in 2022.

However, he has been the focus of some criticism amid unrest among supporters who were dissatisfied with the club’s recruitment policy last summer.

Speaking after the move was confirmed Wilson thanked the Rangers players and fans and wished the club all the best for the future.

He said: “I would like to thank the players, led superbly by captain James Tavernier, and the manager Michael Beale, as well as all those who have come before them in the three and a half years I have spent at Rangers.

“I would like to thank Douglas Park, Stewart Robertson and the Board for their support. I wish John Bennett – a true Rangers man – a successful chairmanship. This is a great club, and there are so many reasons for Rangers to face the decades ahead with optimism and pride.

“Thank you for your support. I wish everyone associated with Rangers nothing but the best for the future.”

The English Premier League club confirmed the appointment of Wilson as their new chief football officer on Wednesday night.

They turned to Wilson following the departure of previous sporting director Filippo Giraldi on Tuesday as they battle to retain their place in the Premier League.

A statement released on their social media channels said: “Nottingham Forest have appointed former Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson as the club’s chief football officer following the departure of sporting director, Filippo Giraldi.

“Wilson joins The Reds with immediate effect, following three and a half years with Rangers.

“During his tenure north of the border, Rangers won their first league title in 10 years when they lifted the trophy in the 2020/21 season. They went on to win the Scottish Cup and reached the final of the UEFA Europa League the following year.

“In his 18-year career in the industry Wilson has held senior football leadership positions at Southampton, Huddersfield, Watford and Falkirk.”

Wilson leaves Rangers with immediate effect with the club sitting 12 points behind Celtic in the league and facing a Scottish Cup semi-final in a bid to avoid a trophy-less season.

Rangers Chairman, John Bennett, said: “I would like sincerely to thank Ross for his enormous contribution to the development of Rangers both on and off the pitch.

“While we have enjoyed silverware and excellent European progress during his time, his legacy will be the development of the Rangers Training Centre into a top-class environment, and the integration and success of our women’s programme.”