Former FA chief Adrian Bevington wants to hold talks with Rangers over CEO vacancy

Adrian Bevington wants to land the vacant Rangers role of chief executive at Ibrox.

The Light Blues have been looking to fill the position since James Bisgrove jumped ship to join Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah, and were in negotiations to appoint St Mirren vice-chairman Jim Gillespie to the job – until he pulled out of talks late on Tuesday night. But now Record Sport understands the vastly-experienced Bevington would welcome an approach from Rangers chairman John Bennett.

The 53-year-old served as head of the English FA between 2010 and 2015 and oversaw the appointment Roy Hodgson as Three Lions senior team boss in 2012 following Fabio Capello's shock exit. Bevington has also worked in high-tier roles at clubs including Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. He currently has a position with a German football agency after stepping down as Hartlepool United's non-executive director in October 2022.

Bevington recently hinted that he would be interested in a move to Ibrox. Speaking on Go Radio last week, he said: “Rangers as a football club, is such a huge football institution, it's a global club. I have been following it very, very closely. Clearly, they were well beaten at the weekend by a very strong Celtic team.

“There is a lot of pressure flying around there. What I would say, is whoever the chief executive is going to be for Rangers has got to be someone who can show real leadership, is a good communicator, got to have a real understanding of the game and the industry, knowledge of the transfer market.

"Yes, they have got to be commercially strong to increase the revenues but ultimately I think they have got to have football industry nous and a real common sense and the ability to work relationships.