Rangers figure to make Newcastle United move as ex Sunderland coach 'set to leave' Ibrox for Toon role
The former Sunderland coach is set to leave Rangers for a role at Newcastle United.
A Rangers figure is set to cross an English rivalry divide as the former Sunderland coach looks bound for Newcastle United.
James Fowler moved into coaching after retiring from playing, having notably featured for clubs like Kilmarnock, joining Jack Ross as his number two at St Mirren and Sunderland. He’s also managed Queen of the South but is now behind the scenes at Rangers as head of scouting and recruitment, building experience elsewhere, namely as Killie’s head of football operations.
It’s now claimed the Ross connection will be sparked again as Fowler will move to Newcastle, where the ex-Hibs and Sunderland boss is head of football strategy, in a scouting role as another position rooted in transfer work looks likely. He’ll also work under former Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson who now occupies that job at the Premier League team. It’s claimed in the Rangers Review: “James Fowler is set to leave his position at Rangers and take up a role within the scouting structure at Newcastle United.
Why is James Fowler leaving Rangers for Newcastle United?
“Fowler was appointed as head of academy scouting and recruitment at Auchenhowie in February 2024. And the Rangers Review understands the Kilmarnock legend will now head south of the border to join up with the Premier League giants. It is understood that Rangers will look to replace Fowler ahead of the new campaign as attentions turn to the academy structure that is currently being overseen by David McCallum.
“The 45-year-old had a stint in charge of Queen of the South and also worked as assistant to Jack Ross at St Mirren and Sunderland. His rise to a recruitment role at Rangers came after a spell on the coaching staff within the youth structure. Now it is understood he will make the switch to the north east and join the Magpies to work under Ross Wilson. The former Ibrox sporting director was appointed to the same post at St James' Park in October last year.”
Meanwhile, the Rangers U19s team are two games away from lifting the CAS Elite U19 League after a win over Celtic this week. Six points will see them crowned champions and Aiden McCallion said: “We’re excited. It’s two hard places to go against two good teams who will make it hard for us, but if we keep playing how we have in recent weeks, we’ll hopefully get the job done.
What trophy can Rangers win?
“It was a big win, especially against Celtic at home, and in a game where you don’t want to lose. It’s a big step forward for us to get three points with two games to go. We’re top of the league now, and hopefully we can carry this run on and go and achieve what we want.
“All the boys knew it was a big game, and there was no getting away from it. If the shoe were on the other foot, then we would want to stop Celtic winning it. We played really well on the day and showed why we deserve to be where we are in the table.”
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