Rangers Football Club News

• Nickname:The gers, The light blues
• Founded:1873
• Manager:Ally McCoist

• Ground:Iborx
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Le Guen leaves Rangers

04 Jan 2007 - 15:04:13

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Under-fire manager Paul Le Guen has parted company with Rangers after just seven months in the Ibrox hot-seat.

The Frenchman was only appointed in the summer and, after tendering his resignation to Gers chairman David Murray, has officially become the club's shortest serving manager.

Le Guen had come under increasing pressure in recent weeks as Rangers slipped 17 points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic in the SPL table.

But the former Lyon chief came under further fire this week following his decision to strip Barry Ferguson of the club captaincy and drop the Scotland international midfielder from the side that defeated Motherwell on Tuesday.

Le Guen claimed Ferguson had undermined his authority in the dressing room, but the decision to drop a popular member of the squad angered many of the Ibrox faithful.

Murray told the club's official website: "Having met with Paul it was clear that in the interests of the club and all concerned we agreed jointly to him stepping down as manager.

"We are all clearly disappointed with our current circumstances and will now focus on securing a suitable replacement."

Le Guen added: "I am disappointed to leave but I think it is the best solution for all concerned.

"I would like to thank all the people who helped me and my team during my spell in Scotland.

"In particular I would like to thank the directors who at all times gave me their total support."

Reserve coach Ian Durrant has been handed temporary charge of first-team affairs.