AliousGretar Steinsson Pulling Strings Behind the Scenes at Rangers Amid 49ers Takeover Twist
A surprising layer of intrigue has emerged surrounding Rangers’ recent appointment of Kevin Thelwell as their new sporting director, with speculation mounting that former Everton scout and current 49ers executive Gretar Steinsson is already steering key decisions at Ibrox — despite the club’s takeover by the 49ers Enterprises not yet being finalized.
The joint statement issued on 23 April by Rangers and the incoming owners confirmed ongoing takeover talks, shortly followed by the announcement of Thelwell’s future arrival once his contract at Everton ends. The decision has raised eyebrows, primarily because it appears to have been made ahead of the new ownership’s formal approval.
However, Daily Record journalist Keith Jackson suggested this appointment was anything but unilateral. On Hotline Live, Jackson asserted it would be “nonsensical” for the current board to act independently of the 49ers at such a delicate stage. He believes Steinsson — who formerly served as a chief scout at Everton and recently took on a technical director role under the 49ers’ broader ownership structure — could be the quiet force behind Thelwell’s recruitment.
Though Thelwell and Steinsson didn’t overlap during their stints at Goodison Park, it’s thought their paths may have crossed professionally. Jackson implied that this connection likely paved the way for Thelwell’s selection and believes Steinsson’s influence reflects the 49ers’ growing role in shaping the future at Rangers.
The move also signals Steinsson’s increasing involvement in football operations, likely extending to the selection of a new manager at Ibrox. With the takeover seemingly imminent, it’s becoming clear that the incoming ownership is already tightening its grip on major decisions — and Steinsson may be the architect behind the scenes.
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