Rangers sack manager Michael Beale

Rangers have sacked manager Michael Beale following Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Aberdeen.

The 43-year old was under immense pressure from supporters after a disappointing start to the season.

The Ibrox side are already seven points behind league leaders Celtic after three losses in their opening seven Premiership games.

They also failed to reach the Champions League group stages after a 7-3 aggregate defeat to PSV Eindhoven.

Supporters voiced their anger following Saturday's loss to Aberdeen and the club have now made the decision to part ways with the manager.

Beale returned to the club as manager after Giovanni van Bronckhorst's departure last November.

He failed to lift a trophy in his first campaign at the club and revamped his squad during the summer.

Criticism has been aimed at Beale for his summer recruitment - with many high profile signings like Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers struggling to make an impact.

Steven Davis will take interim charge of the club assisted by Alex Rae.

Former midfielder Davis' contract expired at the end of last season but the club had been letting him use the facilities for his rehabilitation following a serious knee injury.

It is understood the new management team have all the required UEFA badges to lead Rangers into their European match on Thursday.

A club statement read: "Rangers Football Club can confirm it has parted company with men’s first-team manager, Michael Beale.

"The Rangers board would like to put on record their thanks to Michael and his staff for their efforts since joining the club last November.

"Results this season have fallen short of what everyone connected to Rangers would expect.

"Therefore, the decision was reached today to terminate the contract of the manager, as well as the contracts of coaches Neil Banfield, Damian Matthew, Harry Watling and Jack Ade.

"The club is pleased to announce that Steven Davis will lead the interim management team.

"The team will consist of former Rangers player and hugely experienced coach Alex Rae, former Rangers player and current coach Steven Smith, coach Brian Gilmour, and goalkeeping coach, Colin Stewart."

Rangers Chairman, John Bennett, added: “I’d like to thank Michael for his dedicated work since he re-joined the club as manager last November.

“It is clear that results have fallen well short of the board’s, Michael’s and our supporters’ expectations.

“The search process for the new manager is already underway. I wish Steven Davis and the interim management team every success - they will remain in charge for as long as it takes to make the right appointment.”

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