“Jaw-Dropping Betrayal! Award-Winning Exec Spills Tea on Why He Ditched Rangers at the Last Second Despite ‘Done Deal’ Hype!”

The full impact of the 49ers Enterprises’ takeover of Rangers will reveal itself over time, but there are already major issues at Ibrox that demand urgent attention.

Before discussions can begin on squad rebuilds or long-term strategies, Rangers must first fill two vital positions: a new sporting director and the club’s 20th permanent manager.

Kevin Thelwell, currently Director of Football at Everton, is widely considered the frontrunner for the sporting director role.

He is expected to leave Goodison Park at the season’s end, opening the door to a potential move to Glasgow.

Meanwhile, one executive who had been approached by Rangers has spoken publicly about why he declined the opportunity.

Jim Gillespie, the CEO of Kibble and a key figure behind St Mirren’s recent progress, was reportedly the leading candidate for Rangers’ CEO role.

Some reports even suggested that an agreement had been reached.

However, Gillespie ultimately rejected the offer.

Under Gillespie’s leadership, St Mirren have become a top-six Premiership side under manager Stephen Robinson.

Gillespie was recognized at the 2023 Institute of Directors (IoD) Scotland Awards, earning two awards across 18 total national and regional categories—a testament to his strong track record.

Despite Rangers’ high-profile approach, the interest wasn’t universally well-received among the Ibrox faithful.

After brief discussions, Gillespie opted to remain with Kibble and St Mirren.

Speaking to the Scottish Sun, he opened up about his reasons for turning down the job.

“I always appreciate anyone who wants to have a conversation or share a coffee,” Gillespie said. “I’ve had talks with other clubs since Rangers too.

Rangers are a massive club and a respected institution, and I valued those discussions. But I’m in a fantastic role at Kibble.

It’s more than a job—it’s meaningful work that impacts the lives of young people and my colleagues every day.

That’s something truly special, and I feel deeply connected to St Mirren now.”

Gillespie acknowledged that other tempting offers have come his way, including from clubs in England, but said his family remains his top priority.

“Sometimes the package looks amazing, but I have two kids and being close to home is important to me.”

Following Gillespie’s decision, Rangers went on to appoint Patrick Stewart, a former executive at Manchester United, as their new CEO.

The Aberdeen-born Stewart took up the role in mid-December and has had a turbulent start.

One controversial moment under Stewart’s leadership came when he clashed with fans over a UEFA suspension resulting from a discriminatory banner displayed during the Fenerbahce match.

Despite that setback, Stewart has since played a pivotal role in the club’s management overhaul.

Stewart chose to install Barry Ferguson as interim manager, with a temporary backroom staff, after initially hesitating to appoint Philippe Clement.

The jury remains out on Stewart’s performance so far, and how supporters ultimately judge him will depend heavily on his actions in the coming months.

With a new sporting director and permanent manager still to be named, Stewart will be under scrutiny as he guides Rangers through a critical pre-season and the early stages of the new ownership era.