Rangers are on the verge of a US takeover that will see a dramatic executive reshuffle at the top of the club.
Whilst the impact of the 49ers Enterprises Rangers takeover will become clear in due course, there is some serious work that needs done in crucial areas at Ibrox.
Before we can talk about squad overhauls and rebuilds, Rangers first need to appoint a new sporting director and then the club’s 20th permanent manager.
Kevin Thelwell leads the director of football running with the Everton executive set to leave Goodison Park at the end of the season.
But now one would-be executive has been explaining why he turned Rangers down despite an official approach.
Jim Gillespie explains turning down Rangers
As Rangers hunted for a new CEO, St Mirren chief Jim Gillespie was reportedly the Gers’ number one target.
There were reports that went insofar as to say a deal was done.
The Kibble CEO is an award-winning executive who has helped guide the Paisley Saints into a top-six team under the management of Stephen Robinson.
Gillespie picked up two awards from 12 national and six regional categories at the annual Institute of Directors (IoD) Scotland Awards in 2023.
The interest didn’t inspire Rangers fans however, and after a brief period of discussions Gillespie turned Rangers down.
Speaking to the Scottish Sun, Gillespie has been discussing that interest from Rangers and explains he is very happy precisely where he is.
“I’ve always respected anyone who comes and asks for a conversation or a cup of coffee with you,” Gillespie said.
“I’ve had conversations with other teams since Rangers.
“Rangers are a massive institution, a great organisation, and ultimately you have those conversations.
“But I’ve got an amazing job at Kibble, I need to say that.
“It’s rewarding in more than just financial terms to make a difference to the kids that I work with on a daily basis, or the staff I lean on.
“That’s something special – and obviously I’m now firmly embedded in St Mirren.
“Whether it’s Rangers or there’s other clubs, you’ve got to listen.
“But for the foreseeable future at the moment, my commitments are for The Kibble and St Mirren.
“You get offer jobs from down south and you think, ‘wow, look at the package,’
“But I’ve got two kids and I don’t think I want to stay away from home for them.”
Jury remains out on Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart
Rangers would go on to appoint ex-Manchester United chief Patrick Stewart as CEO and the Aberdeen-born exec has been in situ since mid-December.
After hesitating on pulling the trigger on Philippe Clement, Stewart appointed Barry Ferguson and his interim backroom staff until the end of the season.
The jury is certainly still out on Stewart, who has also clashed with supporters on that suspended UEFA ban for a discriminatory banner waved during the clash with Fenerbahce.
Stewart will be a crucial figure during the takeover period at Rangers and is leading the club’s hunt for a new sporting director and manager.
But how the Rangers CEO will be judged will largely depend on how the next few months go and how Stewart navigates a busy pre-season.
