Rangers sack Michael Beale after 10 months in charge at Ibrox

Rangers have sacked their manager Michael Beale after a disastrous start to the season. The Ibrox club issued a statement confirming the departure of Beale, 43, and read: “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 veteran midfielder Steven Davis will lead the interim management team.

Calls for Beale’s departure increased following the 3-1 home defeat to Aberdeen on Saturday, with the players again booed off the park. The third loss in seven Premiership fixtures left the Light Blues seven points behind leaders Celtic and with their title hopes already in jeopardy.

The statement continued: “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.” The Rangers chairman John Bennett said: “I’d like to thank Michael for his dedicated work since he rejoined 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 under way. 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.”