Next Rangers sporting director: Early favourite confirmed as ex-Brighton, Everton and Leeds masterminds lead the way

Rangers have sacked chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell.

The pair have been the target of intense supporter anger after a disastrous start to the season in which Gers won only one of their first eight league games and suffered seven consecutive European defeats following a much-criticised summer recruitment drive.

Although domestic form has improved since Danny Rohl replaced Russell Martin as manager last month, Gers’ American owners have acted decisively to dispose of both Stewart and Thelwell as they try to get the club back on track.

Former Brighton director David Weir - currently at Strasbourg - is the early favourite. Weir, 55, made 162 appearances for Rangers between 2007 and 2012. He also played for Everton, Hearts and Falkirk.

The former Scotland international centre back joined Brighton as pathway development manager in 2018 and went on to succeeded Dan Ashworth as technical director in May 2022. Weir left Albion in 2025 as the club appointed former Arsenal man Jason Ayto to the role.

Another Ex-Brighton director, Ashworth, is also on the bookies list as is former Leeds United man Victor Orta.

Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Parag Marathe are now leading the search for new incumbents “that align with the vision for the next chapter”.

Next Rangers sporting director (courtesy BettingLounge) ...