Alious
While the ink has yet to dry on the 49ers Enterprises’ long-anticipated takeover of Rangers, signs of an impending seismic shift behind the scenes are already starting to surface. The latest development? Whispers that the Americans have quietly earmarked former Premier League operator **Gretar Steinsson** as the man to pull the strings in the football department once the deal is done—and that revelation is ruffling more than a few feathers.
Though still unofficial, the takeover by US billionaire Andrew Cavenagh and his 49ers-led consortium appears to be all but inevitable. With Cavenagh repeatedly spotted at Ibrox—watching both high-stakes domestic and European fixtures—the power handover feels like a matter of “when,” not “if.”
And according to former Scotland international Barry Nicholson, one major internal appointment is already decided. He claims the incoming ownership group has **already settled on Steinsson** to take control of Rangers’ football operations—a bold move that signals a complete overhaul of the club’s current structure.
> “It sounds like the consortium has identified [Steinsson] as the guy to lead the football side of things,” Nicholson said, pointing to the Icelander’s experience at Everton, Tottenham, and Leeds as validation of the appointment.
This emerging power play has caused a stir among the Rangers faithful, many of whom are eager to see an end to years of institutional drift. But while some fans welcome the ruthless efficiency of American ownership, others are wary of a culture clash and the potential sidelining of club icons like interim manager Barry Ferguson.
Ferguson, who replaced Philippe Clement mid-season, has delivered mixed results—progressing to the Europa League quarter-finals only to be dumped out by Athletic Bilbao. With domestic ambitions fading and Celtic closing in on another league title, Ferguson’s future is now in the hands of the incoming hierarchy.
If Steinsson is indeed the incoming football chief, his track record suggests he won’t shy away from bold, unpopular decisions. Known for overhauling staff structures at Fleetwood Town and implementing high standards across all departments, Steinsson’s presence could signal the end for several figures within the current regime—and usher in a culture of uncompromising accountability.
But there’s also excitement around what such a shake-up could deliver. The current leadership vacuum and lack of direction on the football side have left Rangers trailing rivals both financially and strategically. Steinsson, with his experience across England’s top clubs and a reputation for youth development and high-performance culture, may be exactly the kind of disruptor the 49ers want to spearhead their revolution.
Still, it’s a gamble. Appointing a largely unfamiliar figure to reshape the club’s DNA won’t go down smoothly with all corners of the support. And if the results don’t come fast, patience could wear thin.
For now, the takeover clock ticks on—but behind the scenes, the power players are already making their moves. And if Gretar Steinsson is indeed the first domino to fall into place, the Rangers boardroom is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
Alious
