BREAKING NEWS: Rangers Chief Reportedly Comfirm the Appointment of Hunter-Barrett As Rangers’ New…

Hunter-Barrett Set to Lead Rangers’ Academy in Major Restructure

Rangers have confirmed a significant addition to their football department, announcing that Jonathan Hunter-Barrett will take over as the club’s new academy director in January.

The 35-year-old arrives amid sweeping structural changes behind the scenes and a renewed emphasis on strengthening the pathway from youth development to the first team.

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell revealed the appointment during an interview with the club’s in-house TV channel, confirming that Hunter-Barrett will begin his role once he completes his notice period at his current Premier League club. His arrival is viewed as a key step in revitalising a department that has experienced substantial turnover in the past year.

Hunter-Barrett brings with him a strong reputation forged during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he rose quickly through the academy ranks. Promoted to head of academy coaching in 2019, he later became academy manager in 2022.

His work at Wolves is credited with enhancing both coaching standards and individual player development, helping establish the club as a consistent producer of young talent in the English game.

His move to Rangers comes at a crucial moment. The Scottish giants have been operating without a permanent head of academy since April 2024, following the departure of Zeb Jacobs to Feyenoord. Jacobs, who had been instrumental in shaping the club’s modern youth structure, left a considerable void.

The situation was compounded when his short-term successor, Zurab Amirian—who had stepped up as head of academy football—also moved to Feyenoord earlier this year.

Since June, the role has been filled on an interim basis by experienced coach David McCallum, who has provided stability during what has been a period of change.

McCallum, well respected within the club, has helped maintain operational continuity, but Rangers had been clear about their desire to appoint a long-term strategic leader for the academy.

Hunter-Barrett’s arrival therefore marks a turning point. Thelwell emphasised that the appointment fits within a broader reorganisation designed to sharpen the club’s recruitment, development, and performance pathways.

“Jonathan is someone who brings fresh energy, expertise, and a clear vision for what a modern academy should look like,” Thelwell said. “He will play a central role in shaping the next generation of Rangers players.”

His appointment follows another key addition last month, when Robbie Thelwell—son of the sporting director—joined the club as head of recruitment. Previously head of technical scouting and loan management at Norwich City, he is expected to work closely with Hunter-Barrett to create a more integrated approach between scouting, youth development, and first-team planning.

Together, the changes signal Rangers’ ambition to modernise and strengthen their football structure. With Hunter-Barrett set to begin in January, the club hopes the refreshed academy leadership will help unlock a new era of homegrown talent at Ibrox.