Kevin Thelwell Named FA Elite Coach Developer Following Rangers Sacking

The FA appoints ex-Rangers chief Kevin Thelwell to lead elite coach development. Thelwell will report to Dan Ashworth at St. George’s Park starting February 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 27, 2026, 6:02 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Rangers Review

Strategic FA Appointment

Kevin Thelwell has officially returned to the English football landscape, securing a high-level role at the FA’s national football centre. As the Elite Coach Developer, Thelwell is tasked with "supporting the progression of elite homegrown coaches," a move designed to strengthen the pipeline of English managers capable of succeeding at the highest level.

Reporting directly to Dan Ashworth, the FA's Chief Football Officer, Thelwell will utilize his extensive background in youth development and executive management. Ashworth highlighted Thelwell's "considerable experience" from both the training ground and the boardroom as pivotal for this role.

Fallout from Ibrox

The move marks a swift recovery for Thelwell, whose time at Rangers ended abruptly in November 2025. Appointed in June 2025 during a summer of significant change under new American ownership led by Andrew Cavenagh, Thelwell was part of a leadership team that struggled to gain traction.

His dismissal alongside CEO Patrick Stewart followed a series of controversial decisions that sparked fan protests, including: