Alious
Rangers’ ambitious off-season restructuring has taken a major step forward with the confirmed arrival of Dan Purdy as the club’s new technical director. The appointment reunites Purdy with newly installed sporting director Kevin Thelwell, with whom he previously worked closely during their time at Everton.
Purdy replaces Nils Koppen, who is expected to support the transition period. Thelwell officially began his tenure at Ibrox on Monday, June 2, expressing his excitement in a club media interview: “It’s a great honour to join Rangers, especially at such a transformative moment in the club’s journey. Although much groundwork has already been laid before my arrival, the pace of activity will now ramp up significantly.”
That momentum was immediately evident with the announcement of Russell Martin as the new head coach. The 39-year-old steps in shortly after the club’s majority acquisition by the 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh, signaling a new era of direction and strategy at Ibrox.
Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness—who also held senior executive roles at Everton and Aston Villa and now advises top-tier clubs—believes Purdy’s appointment was long overdue. Speaking on *Football Insider’s* *Inside Track* podcast, Wyness emphasized that the pre-existing relationship between Thelwell and Purdy is a major advantage, but warned that timing remains critical.
“Their familiarity with one another’s methods and strengths is a clear asset,” Wyness said. “However, the clock is ticking. These types of strategic hires shouldn’t be delayed, especially when rivals like Celtic are already active in the transfer market.”
He continued: “Rangers and Everton have made similar missteps by waiting too long to finalise decisions. In a fast-moving transfer window, hesitation can cost you.”
Despite their second-place league finish—17 points behind champions Celtic—Rangers still have the lure of Champions League football to attract top-tier talent, and both Thelwell and Purdy are expected to lead a sharp, targeted recruitment drive.
One name linked with the club is Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy, who has become a free agent following the conclusion of his decorated 13-year spell at the King Power Stadium. Vardy, who famously fired Leicester to a historic Premier League title in 2016 and added an FA Cup in 2021, is reportedly considering a move to Ibrox.
If the deal materializes, Wyness believes the 38-year-old striker could still make a big impact: “Vardy has the instinct and experience to score goals for fun in Scotland. Add him to the mix, and Rangers’ attack could become a serious threat again.”
Alious
