How incoming Thelwell was 'shining light' for Everton

BBC News

24-04-2025

It's safe to say Kevin Thelwell's time at Everton didn't come without its challenges.From struggles with PSR (Profit and Sustainably Rules), points deductions, a relegation battle and something of a revolving door of managers, it's been a "tumultuous time" according to Peter McFarlane of The Blue Room podcast. During that spell, though, Thelwell was "the shining light". The 51-year-old is now seeing out his final weeks in the job before joining Rangers in summer as sporting director."He did a fantastic job at Everton, given some really difficult circumstances," McFarlane told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme."Everything has got to be taken into context, when you look at what's happened at Everton, during one of the club's most tumultuous times, in my opinion, he's been a bit of a shining light throughout that."During his three years at the Premier League club, Thelwell oversaw an £81m profit in transfers, despite working with a limited budget, and often "fronted up" to issues."When you look at his transfer record, there's probably question marks over some of his transfers but I think that happens with everyone - even Alex Ferguson made some bad decisions - and overall he can hold his head up high," McFarlane added."I don't believe he was the problem. Given everything that was going on off the pitch, I think he was one who stood up and fronted it. "He was one of the people who communicated with supporters and was very open and honest. "We had an absent board for example, yet he wasn't one to shy away, he was always there to reassure the fans during a really tough time."When asked if Thelwell is the man to turn Rangers' fortunes around, McFarlane said: "I believe so, yes."