Rangers hero 'top of the list' for critical Ibrox role as 49ers put Ibrox title winner on their radar

Rangers have reportedly identified two candidates for key behind the scenes roles - as an Ibrox hero emerges on the radar of owners 49ers Enterprises and chairman Andrew Cavenagh.

Stability has emerged at Ibrox after the appointment of Danny Rohl, following previous head coach Russell Martin’s calamitous tenure, a 3-1 win at Celtic on Saturday moving them level on points in the Premiership with their rivals. They remain six points off leaders Hearts but can close that gap with a clash against Aberdeen on Tuesday.

Behind the scenes, CEO Patrick Stewart and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell were sacked in the first half of the season, stemming from key failings like a calamitous summer transfer window. Now wanted by the 49ers and Cavenagh to replace them, according to transfer journalist Alan Nixon, are St Mirren vice-chairman Jim Gillespie and Rangers hero Lee McCulloch. The latter is the former defender who is now Brighton & Hove Albion’s Talent Acquisition Manager, who have earned a reputation at Premier League level as having an impressive player-trading model, and is a favourite of the Rangers support having won three titles at Ibrox as a player.

Who do Rangers want as CEO and Director of Football?

Gillespie meanwhile has impressed at St Mirren in a period where they have enjoyed multiple top six Premiership finishes on a tight budget in recent seasons, and won the Premier Sports Cup last month with a stunning win against Celtic in the final. Nixon claims via Patreon: “Rangers are making a new move for St Mirren guru Jim Gillespie to become their new chief executive.

“The Glasgow giants are set to approach Gillespie about the most as he has once again emerged as their first choice. Gillespie stayed loyal to the Saints when he was approached by Rangers two years ago, but that position may now chance.

“The chance to relaunch Rangers off the pitch and have top power at Ibrox appeals to Gillespie who is expected to switch. There are other top posts available at Rangers right now and former player Lee McCulloch remains top of the list for a director of football role.”

Why did Jim Gillespie turn down Rangers?

Amid the rumours, Gillespie has already confirmed he turned down the role of Ibrox CEO previously. He said in April 2025: “I’ve always respected anyone who comes and asks for a conversation or a cup of coffee with you. I’ve had conversations with other teams since Rangers.

“Rangers are a massive institution, a great organisation, and ultimately you have those conversations. But I’ve got an amazing job at Kibble, I need to say that. It’s rewarding in more than just financial terms to make a difference to the kids that I work with on a daily basis, or the staff I lean on.

“That’s something special – and obviously I’m now firmly embedded in St Mirren. Whether it’s Rangers or there’s other clubs, you’ve got to listen. But for the foreseeable future at the moment, my commitments are for The Kibble and St Mirren. You get offer jobs from down south and you think, ‘wow, look at the package,’ But I’ve got two kids and I don’t think I want to stay away from home from them.”