Rangers’ possible new US owners will be busy choosing a new sporting director and manager in the first few weeks after taking over at Ibrox.
Rangers are undergoing an overhaul both on and off the pitch, with all eyes on the club’s new executive staff, possible new managerial team, and ongoing Ibrox squad redevelopment.
However, while things are moving in the background in the United States, the most critical appointment in the coming months will be for the role of sporting director.
Rangers are unlikely to name a new permanent manager until the role is filled, with CEO Patrick Stewart confirming the club is on the lookout following a thorough internal investigation.
Here are five people we’ve identified as prospective sporting director candidates as the Rangers continue to alter how they operate on and off the field.
Carlos Bocanegra
Carlos Bocanegra, a former Rangers captain, is one of the United States’ most distinguished and recognized footballers.
Bocanegra, who has 110 caps for the United States national team, has also played in England, France, Scotland, and Spain.
Bocanegra spent nine years as technical director for MLS team Atlanta United before leaving in September of last year.
Given the impending US acquisition of Rangers, Bocanegra’s present contract status, plus the fact that the former USMNT captain understands Ibrox, the Jackal is a strong contender.
Previous Experience: Atlanta United: Technical Director (2015–2024)
Age: 45
Employment Status: Available.
Stuart Webber
Stuart Webber was the subject of conflicting reports involving Rangers in November 2023.
Rangers have been without a sporting director since Ross Wilson left in April 2023, and Webber was mooted as his replacement.
Some accounts indicate Webber turned Rangers down, while others claim the Gers never offered the Welshman a position.
Whatever the situation, Webber is one of British football’s most seasoned executives, with a strong resume.
Webber began his career in the youth system at Wrexham before coming to Liverpool as director of recruitment in 2009.
Webber went on to work as the head of scouting at Wolves and then QPR before returning to Huddersfield Town and Norwich City as director of football and then sporting director, respectively.
Webber, who has almost 20 years of experience at the pinnacle of the English game, is also available and would fit a lot of the criteria.
Previous experience: Wrexham: Head of Youth (2002-2009); Liverpool: Director of Recruitment (2009-2012); QPR: Head of Scouting (2012-2013); Wolverhampton Wanderers: Head of Scouting (2013-2015); Huddersfield: Director of Football (2015-2017); Norwich City: Sporting Director (2017-2023).
Age: 40
Employment status: Available
David Weir
When we talk about the likes of David Weir, things start to get a little more complicated.
The former Rangers captain is an Ibrox Hall of Famer and was Mark Warburton’s assistant during the ex-Brentford boss’ stint with the club.
Weir has started making a name for himself with Premier League upstarts Brighton, the club’s technical director a key part of the revered Seagulls recruitment team.
Weir has been linked with a return to Everton recently so Rangers could face competition but with the club in need of a sporting director, the ex-Gers skipper is a popular choice.
But with Weir one of the most sought-after names south of the border, it might take something special to tempt the former Ibrox veteran north.
Previous experience: Sheffield United: Manager (2013), Brentford: Assistant Manager (2013-2015), Rangers: Assistant Manager (2015-2017), Nottingham Forest: Assistant Manager (2017), Brighton: Technical Director (2019-)
Age: 54
Employment status: Employed
Dougie Freedman
Crystal Palace director of football Dougie Freedman is another high-performing executive currently plying his trade south of the border.
The former Scotland international striker is synonymous with the Eagles and prying Freedman away from Selhurst Park would be a sizeable challenge in of itself.
But give Freedman is a boyhood Rangers fan, we wonder if there is anyway Rangers might try and tempt the former hitman back to Scotland..
Crystal Palace are another club who’ve been wheeling and dealing south of the border, the London outfit signing a number of youthful players with big potential in recent seasons.
Freedman is certainly another long shot but a it’s a name worth keeping an eye on.
Previous experience: Crystal Palace: Manager (2011-2012), Bolton Wanderers: Manager (2012-2014), Nottingham Forest: Manager (2015-16), Crystal Palace: Sporting Director (2017-)
Age: 50
Employment status: Employed
Darren Fletcher
Former Scotland captain and Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is one of the most prominent Scottish footballers of his generation.
A mainstay in Sir Alex Ferguson’s United side, Fletcher had world class composure and a sense of leadership which has often been missing from the Ibrox boardroom, never mind the pitch.
Currently working in the Manchester United coaching set-up, some reckon Fletcher has the demeanour and style that would maybe fit a move upstairs.
With Sir Jim Radcliffe in the midst of transforming things at Carrington, perhaps a fresh opportunity at Rangers could tempt Fletcher back to Glasgow.
Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart will also be well aware of the midfielder from his time with Manchester United but there is one sticking point; Fletcher grew up a Celtic fan.
Previous experience: Manchester United: First Team Coach (2021-),
Age: 41
Employment status: Employed
