Russell Martin has thrown his weight behind Kevin Thelwell’s son joining Rangers as the club’s new recruitment chief.
It’s understood that the Ibrox club are poised to confirm that Robbie Thelwell, whose father is the club’s sporting director, is set to take up the key position.
Head of technical scouting and loan management at Norwich City for the past year, Thelwell, who’s aged 26, was previously at Aston Villa in a scouting role and also worked for four years at Wolves while studying for a degree in Sports Coaching Practice.
The imminent appointment has raised eyebrows among a fanbase that’s already up in arms over the fact that Martin hasn’t been sacked despite Rangers’ dire start to the season.
But the manager last night strongly backed the move and insisted that Thelwell senior wouldn’t have approved it if he didn’t believe it was the right move for the club.
‘The person most aware of that – having had chats with him – would be Kevin,’ Martin said.
‘I don’t think he would ever put himself in that position if he and Dan (Purdy, technical director) didn’t think his son was very good.
Russell Martin prepares to fly out for Rangers’ Europa League clash in Austria
The Rangers manager appeared in good spirits at training despite his recent troubles
Kevin Thelwell is bringing in his son, Robbie, to join him on the staff at Rangers
‘I worked at Norwich for a very long time and there are a lot of people who are still there who think he’s very, very good.
‘If he’s got the same values and clarity as his old man then he’ll be in good hands.’
Thelwell’s arrival comes amid a major shake-up behind the scenes.
Nathan Fisher is poised to move from Everton to Rangers to become the new head scout.
Fisher is currently head of emerging talent at the Merseyside club and is well known to Thelwell senior and Purdy.
David MacGregor is being promoted to the role of men’s head kit manager, Jamie Ramsen, head of academy sports science, becomes head of performance.
Jaymes Monte will join as data insights lead, tasked with ensuring data plays a part in decision making.
‘Like with the squad, the club needs changed,’ added Martin, ahead of the Europa League clash with Sturm Graz.
‘It needs to move forward and it needs to be done in a certain way.
‘Not everyone will like certain things and how they are. But the club has to have some way to move forward and that’s about getting really good people in who have done a really good job elsewhere.
‘And I really trust that Kevin, Dan, Patrick (Stewart) and the owners wouldn’t let anyone in the building unless they thought they thought they were really good.
‘So, I am really happy with the appointments we’re making like I’m really happy with the changes we’ve made inside the club.
‘And I think we’re moving forward.
‘I wasn’t part of the process, but I wouldn’t expect to be. I’m far too busy.’
On the challenge that awaits in Austria, Martin said: ‘The team are excited about it.
‘Another different challenge, another European night. Another chance to have a brilliant night together.
‘I think we’ve come to win. I think in this competition you have to.
‘I don’t think you can set up anywhere to draw the game or to avoid a defeat.’
