\n<\/p>\n
There were plenty of questions from the media pack for Thelwell. <\/p>\n
Much has been made of the appointment of his son Robbie as head of recruitment, with fans unconvinced he is qualified for the role.<\/p>\n
However, he defended and explained the decision to bring Thelwell Jnr to Ibrox.<\/p>\n
“It’s always uncomfortable to hear and optically I think we all agreed when we made this step to appoint Robbie that he was going to be seen in a particular way,” Thelwell said. <\/p>\n
“The reality of the situation is that we want to bring the very best talent here to Rangers. <\/p>\n
“My view on Robbie’s career and situation is he didn’t need my help in football.<\/p>\n
“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 player pathways manager. <\/p>\n
“Before we recruited him, two Premier League clubs wanted to take him. What we did right at the start of the process was talk to Patrick, Andrew and [vice-chairman] Paraag Marathe about this situation. <\/p>\n
“I was extremely transparent and I think Robbie probably went through a more rigorous process than anybody else who’s employed by this football club. <\/p>\n
“What I do know is that he will work 25\/8 to be successful in this football club and I’m looking forward to him proving that he’s going to be an excellent employee for Rangers.”<\/p>\n
Thelwell also defended the signing of striker Youssef Chermiti, who arrived at Rangers for a reported initial fee of \u00a38m, having failed to score in 24 appearances for Everton.<\/p>\n
It was Thelwell who brought the Portuguese youth international to Merseyside from Sporting – again for big money in a \u00a315m deal.<\/p>\n
He was asked if he stands by his multi-million pound signing, who is yet to score in seven outings for the club.<\/p>\n
“Yes, very much so,” Thelwell said. “I think Youssef Chermiti is a player who’s got huge potential. <\/p>\n
“I’ve never doubted him in any way, shape or form. Again, I think Danny will help to get the best out of Youssef. <\/p>\n
“It’s very early days for him, he’s a young talent and of course with young talents they sometimes take a little bit of time. <\/p>\n
“But I’m certain over the course of his career here he’s going to prove that he’s a very, very good player.” <\/p>\n<\/div>\n