NafisaRangers have suffered a coaching departure behind the scenes, with one of their academy staff moving to a Scottish Premiership rival to take up a new role ahead of the next stage of the campaign.
While attention at Ibrox is often focused on first-team transfers, results and managerial decisions, changes within the coaching structure can also have a significant impact on a club’s long-term plans. Developing young players and preparing the next generation of talent remain important parts of Rangers’ wider operation.
Now, one familiar face from the club’s coaching setup is heading elsewhere in Scotland, bringing his spell at Auchenhowie to an end and returning to a club where he previously spent part of his playing career.
Kilmarnock have confirmed that Conor Brennan has left Rangers to become their new Head of Goalkeeping, subject to Scottish FA approval.
The appointment sees Brennan return to Rugby Park, where he spent more than three years during the early stages of his professional playing career. He will now work with Neil McCann’s backroom team as the Ayrshire side prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
Kilmarnock announced the appointment in an official statement, confirming that Brennan will replace Fraser Stewart, who recently departed to pursue another coaching opportunity.
“Kilmarnock Football Club is pleased to announce Conor Brennan as the club’s new Head of Goalkeeping, subject to Scottish FA approval.
“The 32-year-old has returned to BBSP Stadium Rugby Park having spent over three years at the club at the beginning of his professional playing career.
“Conor – who is currently studying to obtain his UEFA Pro Licence – replaces Fraser Stewart, who departed Killie last week to take up a new coaching opportunity.
“He arrives from Rangers, having come through the ranks at Auchenhowie to head up their Academy goalkeeping department.
“Conor has already met the rest of Neil McCann’s backroom team, and has got to work with Calum Ferrie and the other goalkeeper’s at the club as we look ahead to our next fixture against Motherwell this Saturday.
“Everyone at Kilmarnock FC wishes Conor well in his new role, and thanks Bobby Geddes for stepping in to help last week as we brought the recruitment process for the position to a conclusion.”
Brennan’s departure brings an end to a spell at Rangers that began in 2018, following his retirement from professional football. He had played for nine different clubs before moving into coaching, giving him experience across several dressing rooms and football environments.
His first role at Ibrox came after his playing career, with Brennan later taking on first-team goalkeeping coaching duties for a short period following Sal Bibbo’s resignation.
In 2024, he moved into the academy structure as Rangers’ head of academy coaching, taking responsibility for the development of young goalkeepers coming through the club’s system.
His latest move represents a return to familiar surroundings rather than a completely new start. Brennan already knows Kilmarnock from his time there as a player, and the club will hope that his experience working within Rangers’ academy can help strengthen their own goalkeeping department.
The timing of the appointment is also important for McCann, with Brennan having already met the coaching staff and begun working with Calum Ferrie and the other goalkeepers ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Motherwell.
Kilmarnock have moved quickly to fill the vacancy created by Stewart’s departure. Stewart has left Rugby Park to take up a new coaching role with Newcastle United, prompting the club to begin its search for a replacement.
Bobby Geddes stepped in to provide assistance while the recruitment process was completed, and Kilmarnock have now thanked him for helping during the transition.
For Rangers, Brennan’s exit marks another change within the club’s coaching structure, particularly in an area linked to the development of young talent. However, the announcement does not indicate any wider changes at Ibrox beyond his departure.
For Kilmarnock, meanwhile, the priority will be helping Brennan settle into his new position quickly as the club prepares for its next Premiership challenge. His return to Rugby Park brings his career full circle, from goalkeeper to coach, with the opportunity to make an impact in a different capacity.
The move remains subject to Scottish FA approval, but Brennan has already begun working with the goalkeepers as Kilmarnock look to move forward following Stewart’s departure.
Nafisa
