RANGERS confirms the appointment of Stig Inge Bjørnebye as the club’s Performance Director.
Stig initially joined the club on a temporary basis last December as a consultant, but now transitions to his new role on a permanent basis.
A former Sporting Director at Rosenborg and Aarhus, he enjoyed a distinguished playing career at the highest level at clubs such as Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Rosenborg. He also represented Norway 75 times.
Stig’s appointment completes the football leadership group. He will work alongside Manager, Derek McInnes and Technical Director, Dan Purdy.
Stig will oversee our performance, medical and analysis departments, while also having strategic responsibility for the Academy and being part of the executive group overseeing all transfer activity.
His focus is providing the environment, support and development structures that help players at every level of the club reach their full potential.
Dan Purdy will continue in his role as Technical Director, with responsibility for player recruitment, loans, development pathways and the club’s football data and insights function. His priority is to ensure we identify, recruit and develop the talent required to deliver success on the pitch.
Speaking as he begins his new position, Stig IngeBjørnebye said: "Rangers is a club with huge expectations, and that is one of the reasons I am excited to take on this role permanently.
"Our responsibility now is to provide the football departments and the players with everything they need to win, while also creating a clear pathway for the next generation of Rangers players.”
Rangers also welcomes James Barrow as First Team Performance Coach. He takes over from Rhys Owen who departs the club with our best wishes. James joins Rangers from Wigan Athletic, where he spent the last five years as Head of Performance. He will work alongside Derek McInnes, the coaching staff and players, helping ensure the men's first team is physically prepared to meet the demands of the season."
Rangers CEO, Jim Gillespie, added: "Stig has quickly become a valued member of our football leadership team. His experience across elite football, both as a player and as an executive, brings important expertise to the club.
"His appointment completes a football structure that is focused on one objective: giving our manager, staff and players the best possible platform to deliver success for Rangers.
“James is another strong addition to our football department and will bring valuable expertise as we continue to build the support available to our players and coaching staff."