Patrick Stewart’s New Role as Rangers CEO Emphasizes Executive Authority

Patrick Stewart, in his initial days as Rangers’ CEO, is likely already experiencing the demands of the position. On his inaugural day, he sought clarification from the Scottish FA regarding their choice not to grant Rangers a penalty following a foul on Vaclav Cerny during Sunday’s League Cup final. Stewart assumes the role previously held by James Bisgrove, who moved to Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia over the summer. This transition occurs shortly after the club reported a £17 million loss for the fiscal year ending in June. According to Joshua Barrie, editor of Rangers Review, the new appointee faces “a big job to walk into” but one that is expected to introduce crucial “detachment” to the club’s operations. Speaking on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast, Barrie stated, “In the last few years, it’s been, I would argue, a number of bad decisions. A lack of structure at that executive level has ultimately fed down to what you’ve seen on the pitch, which is changing ideas and over-trust in too many managers and a belief that a manager can get you out of a situation which is far deeper ingrained than that.” Therefore, Patrick Stewart’s appointment is theoretically as a CEO who ought to wield full CEO authority. Barrie elaborated, “He should be able to make the big decisions and have the final say over the chairman.” He added that while the chairman’s role remains significant, it differs from that of a [John] Bennett, [Douglas] Park, or [Dave] King, individuals who possess a financial stake in the club and make decisions influenced by it, thus implying a new level of “detachment” should now be present.