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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Blair Meikle

Who is Dan Purdy? Rangers incoming recruitment chief profiled

Change is occurring at Rangers and an early appointment of the new era will be confirmed tomorrow.

Gers are set to announce the arrival of former Everton head of recruitment Dan Purdy with technical director Nils Koppen on his way out.

Purdy is very familiar with new sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who also officially arrives tomorrow, after the pair worked together at Everton.

But what else do we know about the recruitment chief? Rangers fans will be keen to know so we've had a go at profiling him.

The 31-year-old has a degree in Science and Football, Performance Analysis; Psychology from Liverpool John Moore's University and he has also worked at a number of different clubs.

He did internships at Liverpool, Sheffield United and Leeds as well as the Yorskhire County Cricket club as he built up his experience.

There was also a spell working at data company InStat.


Read more: Dan Purdy to oversee Rangers transfer drive as Nils Koppen heads for Ibrox exit

Nils Koppen departs Rangers days after US takeover completed


Purdy first landed a gig at Everton as first team performance analyst, again as an intern, in 2014 and that eventually became permanent.

Eleven years later he was still there having carried out a number of different roles. These include technical scout, first-team scouting co-ordinator, manager of scouting and operations and eventually head of recruitment.

Purdy worked under Thelwell at Goodison Park and will now head north with him after quitting his post.

At the Toffees, Purdy was tasked with finding the club gems while they went through a difficult spell financially and the remit was to avoid relegation.

He managed to bring in some gems like Amadou Onana, James Garner, and Iliman Ndiaye while trying to avoid breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.

Purdy had initially been earmarked for the new role of head of player identification but it was reported at the end of April he would move on with the prospect of a new opportunity.

He actually left Everton back in December 2021 during Rafa Benitez’s reign but was hired again by Thelwell in March 2022.

Purdy's influence at the Toffees has grown over the years and he is highly regarded at the club.

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