Rangers part ways with executive as Fraser Thornton oversees role

The Rangers Review revealed in December that the former CEO of the Aviva Stadium in Dublin David French had been appointed to the role at Ibrox following a recruitment drive.

French filled the post that was vacant following the end of Sean Jefferson’s interim spell. He boasted stints at Nokia, Manchester United and the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai on his CV before making the move to Glasgow. But the Rangers Review understands he has now departed the club less than five months into his tenure.

Andrew Cavenagh explained changes to the club's executive structure last week (Image: PA)

Fraser Thornton has been tasked with overseeing the department on an interim basis while chairman Andrew Cavenagh considers his options for his executive team.

Cavenagh addressed supporters in an open letter last week and confirmed that Rangers will not appoint a successor for Kevin Thelwell as sporting director.

Jim Gillespie has started in his role as chief executive officer following his departures from positions with St Mirren and Kibble and will work on a day-to-day basis with Thornton as Cavenagh continues to take a more hands-on approach at Ibrox.

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“Rangers’ supporters are direct, hardworking, passionate, and emotional,” Cavenagh said. “I want our supporters to see themselves in the club, whether on the pitch or in the club offices, and I think some of that has been missing over the last months and years.

“This starts at the top. Over the last four months, we have reconstituted our executive team. Jim has joined as CEO and Fraser has become an Executive Director. We believe our current football structure is working well, and we do not plan to hire a sporting director.

"The executive team is committed to being smaller, nimbler, and more entrepreneurial. We want an executive team willing to get its fingernails dirty. If there is a hole to be dug, we want people fighting over shovels. We want fewer consulting firms and less bureaucracy.

Fraser Thornton will oversee the department on an interim basis (Image: PA)

“A culture of winning means returning to Rangers’ historical DNA and standards. I have tried to spend time with many supporters and former players and staff, and their input has been invaluable.

“Across the club, we need to continue to partner with these individuals, whether informally as thought leaders and advisors or formally as ambassadors and parts of our staff. These links to the past must be strengthened.”