Rangers have today confirmed that manager Alex McLeish will leave the club at the end of the season and a new manager will be announced after the Villarreal game.
The announcement puts an end to months of speculation concerning McLeish’s position at the club but it’s an announcment that David Murray was hoping to put off until the Villarreal tie was out of the way.
Mr Murray said: ‘The decision had been made. This is a premature announcement, It was our intention to make an announcement after the Villarreal games of a major investment and a potential new manager. But we felt that, taking all factors into consideration and after discussing the situation collectively with supporters’ groups, the board, Alex and some players, the best thing was to announce it is Alex’s intention to leave at the end of the season.’
There is bound to be speculation surrounding the identity of the new manager but the smart money is on Frenchman Paul Le Guen who was tipped to succeed Alex McLeish late last year.
Le Guen is odds on favourites but other managers in the frame include Alan Curbishley of Charlton, Terry Butcher of Motherwell and Graeme Souness who was sacked by Newcastle recently.
Rangers fans demanded action after Rangers were knocked out of the Scottish Cup at the weekend by Hibernian and then lost another league game to Aberdeen last night. That leaves Rangers staring at a trophyless season and the possibility of no European football next season.
The pressure from the fans prompted Mr Murray to make his announcement sooner than he’d hoped.
Planet Rangers fans have been voting in a poll regarding Alex McLeish. We asked if McLeish should go now and 74% of you voted yes.
What do you think the announcement? Leave your opinions below or log in to the forum to have your say.
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