What happened: Rangers have made Stig Inge Bjornebye's role permanent, naming the former Norway international as performance director at Ibrox after he joined on a temporary consultancy basis in December. The 56-year-old said he was drawn back by the club's expectations and the chance to build a clear pathway for the next generation. James Barrow has also arrived from Wigan Athletic as first-team performance coach, succeeding Rhys Owen.

Why it matters: The appointments round out a reshaped football operation under a leadership group still settling in after a summer of change at Ibrox. Chief executive Jim Gillespie framed the structure as a single platform built to support the manager, staff and squad, signaling stability behind the scenes rather than another reshuffle.

What to watch: Watch how the new performance setup translates to fitness and squad availability when Rangers open competitive play, and whether Barrow's arrival shifts the club's training methodology.