Ally McCoist Timeline
Pic by Jeff Holmes
Ally McCoist's departure from Rangers has finally been confirmed after the 52-year-old, who handed in his resignation just under a week ago, was placed on gardening leave.
Here Clyde Sport looks at the events surrounding his protracted exit.
DECEMBER 12: Rumours surface that McCoist is on the verge of leaving Ibrox, with the club falling further behind Hearts in the race for promotion from the Scottish Championship. A club spokesperson refuses to comment on the speculation and McCoist, after overseeing a 2-0 loss to Queen of the South, says: I have absolutely no comment on rumours. I can't have any bearing on speculation. I will deal with cold, hard facts.''
DECEMBER 15: Rangers confirms to the Stock Exchange that McCoist has resigned as the club's manager and is entering a 12-month notice period. The club, which posted ÂŁ8.3million in operating losses in November, also states McCoist's salary will rise to ÂŁ750,000 per annum during the notice period - adding they will work to find an amicable solution''.
McCoist arrives at the club's Murray Park training ground as normal shortly before 9am to put his players though their paces.
The Scottish Football Association charges the club and shareholder Mike Ashley with breaching rules relating to Ashley's dual interest in Rangers and Newcastle. Rangers and Ashley will face a principal hearing over the charges on January 27.
DECEMBER 16: The club's share price hits a new low of 18p by the end of trading.
DECEMBER 17: McCoist holds talks with the Rangers board and the club later confirm he will remain in charge for the visit of Livingston.
DECEMBER 19: Derek Llambias is appointed chief executive officer of Rangers.
Llambias, formerly managing director at Newcastle under Ashley, becomes the fourth man - after Charles Green, Craig Mather and Graham Wallace - to have held the chief exec role at Ibrox since the club's liquidation crisis.
McCoist, asked if he still intends to see out his notice period, replies:
Yes. Absolutely. I don't know if it's realistic or not but is in the boundaries of the contract, which I look to honour.'' He also indicates he will talk to Llambias about future transfer plans.
DECEMBER 20: Rangers beat Livingston 2-0 at Ibrox courtesy of Fraser Aird's early strike and Simon Mensing's own goal. Fans vent their anger during the match, with the Blue Order group of supporters heard chanting ''sack the board, sack the board'' while one fan in the East Enclosure holds a banner saying
''Enough is Enough'' behind the home dug-out.
After the game McCoist explains he is not sure whether he will be in attendance at the club's Annual General Meeting on December 22, saying: I am not sure I am required to go. If anyone wants me there, I will be there. That goes without saying.''
DECEMBER 21: Rangers confirm McCoist has left the club and has been put on gardening leave, with assistant manager Kenny McDowall taking charge until the end of the season.