Rangers hand out permanent contract and new recruit arrives from Wigan

Bjornebye joined Rangers last December as a consultant, but the former Liverpool defender has now been added to the staff on a full-time basis and will work alongside manager Derek McInnes and technical director Dan Purdy, whose main areas of expertise will remain recruitment.

Rangers say that Bjornebye, 56, will oversee the club’s performance, medical and analysis departments, as well as being part of the executive committee that oversees transfer activity. He will also be responsible for the club’s academy strategy.

"Stig has quickly become a valued member of our football leadership team,” said Rangers chief executive Jim Gillespie. “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."

On his permanent role at Rangers, Bjornebye 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 have also confirmed the arrival of James Barrow as their new first-team performance coach. Barrow joins from Wigan Athletic and replaces Rhys Owen, who is leaving to join former head coach Russell Martin at Leicester City.

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