DAVIES SHOCKED AT 'SOFT LAD' KEV'S RISE TO POWER

BILLY DAVIES never thought “soft lad” Kevin Thelwell had it in him to become a sporting director.

- BY SCOTT BURNS

Thelwell, right, is now in a position of power and will have a major influence on who is appointed the next Rangers manager.

Davies took him from the Welsh FA to head up Preston North-End's academy back in 2005.

He admitted Thelwell did a great job of developing players, but doubted he had the personality to go and make the big decisions, which he has since gone on to do, in various positions at New York Red Bulls, Everton and now Ibrox.

Davies added: “I am very surprised. I never took him as a sporting director. He is quite a soft lad, quite quiet. I always felt he was suited in the academy and he was a great administrator and, when he went on to the grass, he was also very good.

“He never took me as a sporting director. You wouldn't say he had the strongest of characters.

“He left Wolves and got that opportunity to become a sporting director.”