Thelwell insists he was 'transparent' and had Rangers board backing about appointment of his son

Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell has defended his decision to appoint his 26-year-old son Robbie as the club’s head of recruitment.

Thelwell junior’s arrival from Norwich City intensified levels of discontent among supporters amid Rangers’ poor start to the season and the sacking of Russell Martin as manager.

Thelwell senior admits the criticism surrounding his son was difficult for him to take on board but insists the appointment had support from the Ibrox club’s hierarchy.

‘It’s always uncomfortable to hear that,’ said Thelwell. ‘Optically, we all agreed when we took the step to appoint Robbie that he was going to be seen in a particular way.

‘But the reality of the situation is that we want to bring their very best talent here to Rangers Football Club. My view on Robbie’s career, Robbie’s situation, is he doesn’t need my help in football. He’s worked at Aston Villa as a senior scout.

‘He then moved to Norwich City as head of scouting, and then got promoted to players pathways manager. And before we recruited him, two Premier League clubs wanted to take him.

‘Dan Purdy, who’s now the technical director here at Rangers, wanted to take him to Everton Football Club.

‘When I was there, I told him that that shouldn’t be the case, and I didn’t think Robbie was ready. But when the situation came round again, Dan wanted to take him again, it was very difficult to say no.

‘What we did do, right at the very start of that process, was to talk to (chief executive) Patrick Stewart, (chairman) Andrew Cavanagh and (vice-chairman) Paraag Marathe and the board about the situation.

‘I was extremely transparent about that being what Dan wanted to do. And I think Robbie probably went through a more rigorous process than probably anybody else who’s employed by this football club.

‘What I do know is that he will work 25-8 to be successful in this football club, and him and Dan work very closely together, and work very well together.

‘And I’m looking forward to him proving that he’s going to be an excellent employee for Rangers.’