Former Rangers sporting director was shown the door alongside CEO Patrick Stewart in November as part of a dramatic double axing
Former Rangers and Everton sporting director Kevin Thelwell has secured a major new job title - three months after his sudden Ibrox dismissal.
The Englishman was responsible for shelling out £8m on much-maligned striker Youssef Chermiti as well as making a cluster of other underwhelming signings. He also oversaw the ill-fated appointment of Russell Martin as head coach, prompting supporters to voice their frustrations by staging various protests.
Those demonstrations eventually prompted Cavanagh to take drastic action just five months into his running of the Govan giants alongside 49ers Enterprises.
Now, Thelwell is back in the game after taking some time away from football after being appointed as an ‘Elite Coach Developer’ within the English FA set-up.
The ex-Wolves, Everton and New York Red Bulls chief remains a highly-regarded figure down south and his main duties will now be centred around 'supporting the progression of elite home-grown coaches'.
The strategic role based at St. George’s Park will span both women’s and men’s football, reporting into the FA’s chief football officer Dan Ashworth
Commenting on his appointment, Thelwell said: “I'm delighted to be joining the FA at such an exciting time, and to get the chance to help take coaching excellence in this country to the next level.
"I know there is a real desire at St. George’s Park to step up the support for homegrown coaches at all levels and to give them the tools they need to complement their day-to-day roles.
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“Succession planning and elite coach development will be an essential part of my remit, and it is vital that we also work with the talented coaches within our own pathway. I hope to build on my strong relationships across the game, and work with clubs and all our key partners for everyone’s benefit.”
Thelwell to bring ‘considerable experience’ to English FA role
Ashworth added: “I'm very happy that Kevin is going to bring to St. George’s Park his considerable experience of working within elite clubs, from training ground to boardroom. We want to do more to help the pipeline of homegrown coaches, and his insight will play a pivotal role in helping them to fulfil their potential while ensuring clubs at home and abroad see them as options when recruiting.
“There has been some outstanding work across the game to further the development of homegrown players over the last ten years, and there is no reason why this should not be possible too with our coaches - working in partnership across the English game.
“There are already elite coaches setting the standard, and in Kevin we have the right person to ensure we are doing all we can to support others and, in turn, help our England teams in future.”
How Thelwell’s former club Everton could benefit from appointment
Thelwell’s prior experience at English Premier League side Everton could lead to a potential increase in opportunities for Toffees officials. During his time on Merseyside, the 52-year-old is likely to have familiarised himself with many players at the club and he could be in a position to recommend them to Ashworth.
Those in the Everton youth set-up or first-team could be lined up for a future call-up to the English national team over the coming months and years ahead in what is an welcome boost to a club who have endured a turbulent couple of years.
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