Rangers make key hire behind the scenes to bolster Danny Rohl's coaching team
We've ranked all of Kevin Thelwell's summer signings after 49ers decision to sack the former Toffees chief
The decision to part company with both men comes after facing severe pressure and months of protests from supporters after a nightmare start to the season, with questions also raised over the Light Blues’ dreadful summer transfer window which saw 13 new players check in - the vast majority of which have failed to impress.
In June, Thelwell and Stewart played an influential role in the appointment of Russell Martin as head coach, but Rangers were forced to wield the axe on the former Southampton boss after just 123 days - making him the shortest-serving manager in the club’s storied history.
Thelwell was also responsible for Rangers’ maligned recruitment drive ahead of the campaign, sanctioning a deal worth £8 million for Everton striker Youssef Chermiti plus a host of other arrivals, which resulted in a net spend of around £20m.
The former Toffees and Wolves chief made several other questionable decisions, including the recent appointment of his son Robbie as head of recruitment. And he has now paid the ultimate price, along with his superior.
Here, GlasgowWorldranks every new addition made during the Englishman’s time at the helm out of ten, excluding Lyall Cameron, who was signed on a pre-contract agreement in February, and Oscar Cortes who was shipped out on loan.
Youssef Chermiti - 3/10
Cost an eye-watering £8m fee, but has failed to live anywhere near up to that price tag since moving north of the border. Has scored just one goal in 13 appearances and has come in for stinging criticism for his performances. Tied down on a four-year contract and unlikely to ever live up to the heights that are expected of him.
Oliver Antman - 5.5/10
Fans have seen both sides of the Finland international. Left the impression that he would be a shrewd acquisition after a hugely impressive debut against Viktoria Plzen but hasn’t looked the same player since then. There have been signs of creativity and attacking nous, but needs to contribute a lot more than he has been of late.
Thelo Aasgaard - 6/10
The Norwegian attacker seems to blow hot and cold. Arrived with a lofty reputation from his time at Luton Town but has struggled for consistency and hasn’t been delivering the type of displays that many had expected. Drifts out of games far too easily, which doesn’t bode well for his long-term future.
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Max Aarons - 2/10
Another complete dud. The on-loan Bournemouth defender got off to a horrendous start, being played out of position at left-back. Send off for a needless challenge in the embarrassing Champions League play-off second leg defeat to Club Brugge and has been bombed out of the starting XI for large spells ever since. Scored a late winner against Livingston, but that’s about all he has contributed.
Djeidi Gassama - 7.5/10
The best out of a bad bunch. Snapped up for a bargain £2.2m from Sheffield Wednesday, Gassama scored four goals in his first four games before going slightly off the boil. Has netted just twice in the following 20 games, but his stats suggest he remains Rangers’ main goal threat and should continue to thrive after being reunited with Rohl following their time together at Hillsborough.
Bojan Miovski - 4/10
Checked in at Ibrox expecting to hit the ground running and prove a smash hit with supporters after his goal-laden two-year spell at Aberdeen. Has looked a shadow of the player he was at Pittodrie, yet to find the back of the net under new boss Rohl. Appears to be struggling for fitness.
Joe Rothwell - 2/10
Another terrible signing, which is a real surprise given his pedigree. A solid English Championship-level player, who has also gained Premier League experience, the 30-year-old quickly fell out of favour under Martin and remains well down the pecking order since Rohl took over the reins. Will be on a big wage, so he’ll be a hard one to move on.
Mikey Moore - 6.5/10
It’s taken plenty of time for the Tottenham Hotspur loanee to click into gear, but Rohl now appears to be getting the best out of him. One of the hottest young prospects in England, Moore’s time in Glasgow couldn’t have got off to a worse start. But he is beginning to show signs of his undoubted potential and could be set of a big second half of the season.
Nasser Djiga - 4/10
A complete bomb scare. Another error-strewn performance against Livingston at the weekend summed up his start to life in Govan. Hasn’t been able to form a strong understanding with those around him and Rangers can count themselves fortunate he is only on loan from Premier League side Wolves.
Emmanuel Fernandez - 4.5/10
Another expensive addition, costing £3.5million from Peterborough United. Had barely kicked a ball until being thrust into the spotlight against Livingston on Saturday, a game in which he scored from a header and also escaped punishment for a blatant handball. The giant defender will hope for more game time going forward amid an injury crisis.
Derek Cornelius - 6/10
A surprise addition late in the transfer window, joining on loan from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille. The Canadian international brought experience and a calm head to the squad and, while he has looked defensively suspect at times, the 28-year-old offers a strong threat in both boxes. Currently sidelined through injury.
Jayden Meghoma - 6/10
A difficult one to judge considering he has been thrust in at the deep end. The Brentford loanee is clearly a talented footballer, but has been asked far too many questions as such a young age. Has started most games as the club’s only recognisable left-back, and at times his lack of experience has told. But he’s the least of Rangers problems. Given more time to develop, he has a bright future in the game, but the environment he’s currently operating in is far from ideal.
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