Graeme Murty to stay in charge at Ibrox until the end of the season
Rangers say he's shown he's capable of handling the task
Last updated 22nd Dec 2017
Graeme Murty has been handed the Rangers manager's job until the end of the season and been given the final say on January transfers.
Murty was nine games into his second spell as caretaker boss this year, winning six and losing three after stepping up from his role as under-20s coach following the sacking of Pedro Caixinha.
Derek McInnes was the number one choice to replace the Portuguese coach but the Aberdeen boss opted to stay at Pittodrie after Rangers made their move six weeks after Caixinha's departure.
A Rangers statement read: "The club's directors believe Graeme has demonstrated he is capable of handling this task successfully and are confident the players will continue to respond to his leadership in a positive manner.
"It should be noted that Graeme will have the final say on which additions will be made during the January transfer window, which should be perfectly understandable given that he'll be working longer term with the first-team squad. This will allow him to make important judgement calls.''
Murty quickly made his first signing as Cardiff confirmed that left-back Declan John's loan move to Ibrox had been turned into a permanent transfer.
The former Scotland and Reading player said in a statement: "It is a genuine privilege for me to be made manager until the end of the season. It's a huge honour to be asked to do so and I will continue to give everything I have to ensure we have a positive second half of the campaign. There is still so much to play for and we cannot let our fans down.
"They have been incredible. They have given me so much great support during my two spells in the dugout and I would like to thank everyone for their backing.
"I would also like to thank the board for showing faith in me and I will work tirelessly with the players and coaching staff in order to improve our league position and be successful in the Scottish Cup.''
Rangers revealed John had signed a deal until the summer of 2021 after making 14 appearances in the absence of injured skipper Lee Wallace.
Director of football Mark Allen added: "Graeme will have the final say in player recruitment in January and an input into the type of players required next summer."
The club added that Murty would be bringing in coaching help in the coming days. Jonatan Johansson retained his position as first-team coach when Caixinha left but several other Portuguese coaches also departed.
Rangers managing Director Stewart Robertson added: "Graeme has shown he has the qualities and desire to take charge of the first team and he will have full control of first-team affairs between now and the end of the season.
"He has a first-class attitude and has secured favourable results against our nearest rivals in recent weeks. He deserves this chance to make an impact in the second half of 2017/18.