OFFICIAL Van Bronckhorst sacked as Ibrox is plunged into chaos

With just 182 words the Ibrox Tribute Act announced the sacking of Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

From 9.45 this morning there were very authoritative reports that the Dutchman had been ditched, by 10.15 a statement appeared on the club website confirming that van Bronckhorst was gone just 368 days after signing a contract that runs until May 2025.

The club statement makes no mention of a caretaker manager coming in or the fate of van Bronckhorst’s coaching team which includes Roy Makaay.

Next Monday the first team squad is due back at Murray Park as they prepare to turn around a nine point gap to leaders Celtic with the January transfer window fast approaching.

The club stated:

RANGERS Football Club confirms today it has parted company with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The board would like to put on record sincere thanks to Gio for all his efforts since his appointment as manager.

Arriving at the club just over a year ago, Gio led the club to a fifth European final and won the Scottish Cup last May. He also led the team to the club’s first Champions League qualification in 12 years.

Unfortunately, results and performances over recent months haven’t met expectations and the decision was made today by the board to terminate the contract of the manager. The search for the new manager is now underway.

Chairman, Douglas Park, commented: “I want to thank Gio for the hard work he has put in over the last 12 months and, especially, the achievements of taking the club to the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup last season.

“Unfortunately, recent results have not met neither our nor Gio’s expectations, and we have taken this difficult decision today. Everyone at Rangers wishes Gio every success in the future.”

It seems that Ross Wilson remains at the club as Sporting Director in charge of recruitment.