First casualty of new regime as high profile departure set to be announced by Rangers as American owners begin rebuild

Scottish Sun

2 days ago

RANGERS technical director Nils Koppen has seemingly become the first casualty of the new American regime at Ibrox as reports suggest he is to leave the club.
The Belgian only assumed the role six months ago being promoted from director of recruitment, which left SunSport columnist Kris Boyd scratching his head at that move.
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Nils Koppen to leave his post as Rangers technical director
Credit: Willie Vass
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Hamza Igamane scored 16 goals for Rangers last season
Credit: Getty
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Vaclav Cerny has left Rangers after his loan spell came to an end
Credit: Willie Vass
Koppen oversaw the club's transfer strategy and had overall responsibility for the men's academy, medical, football operations, performance and analysis departments.
During his tenure Rangers signed the likes of Hamza Igamane and Vaclav Cerny who have been seen as successes by most supporters.
Yet those additions failed to prevent Rangers finishing a huge 17 points behind rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Fans were also less than impressed with players like Rafael Fernandes who struggled with injury.
The former PSV scout is to leave his post as technical director just days after the US Consortium took over the club.
Private healthcare tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises have bought a 51 per cent controlling stake at Rangers and have made £20 million available to begin the summer rebuild at Ibrox.
According to the Daily Record, Koppen's departure will be announced on Monday as Kevin Thelwell officially becomes the club's new sporting director.
Dan Purdy, who worked alongside Thelwell at Everton, is understood to be Koppen's replacement.
The news has been welcomed by fans on social media.
One fan said: "Good start by the new owners, clearing out folk not good enough."
Rangers fans react as 49ers takeover completed
Another added: "Good start to the 49ers era.
"Could have survived here in a lesser position but the promotion to technical director mid-season was nearly as bad a decision as Clement's new contract."
A third commented: "He was not qualified to do the job he had at Rangers in the first place, let alone the promotion he later received.
"Another shambles by the club."
A fourth added: "New regime off to a flyer."
Meanwhile, Ridvan Yilmaz could be set for return to Turkey with Besiktas understood to be in talks.
Robin Propper is another player likely to leave Ibrox this summer - the Dutchman tipped for a return to FC Twente.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page