KRIS BOYD has slated Rangers' recruitment drive insisting it played a part in Giovanni van Bronckhorst losing his job.

The Dutchman was axed as manager this morning and the Govan club have now started their search for a new boss.

Rangers have just three weeks to decide on a new gaffer ahead of the Premiership season returning after the World Cup break.

Club hero Boyd believes former assistant Michael Beale will definitely be sounded out for the position, but he does have sympathy for the departing Van Bronckhorst.

He told Sky Sports: "Rangers were riding the crest of a wave heading into the summer and there was the opportunity to build on things to take the club forward.

"However, the business done was not at the level I expected it to be at. It was clear there was the need for three or four players who go into that starting XI, and while money was spent, I don't think it was spent well enough.

"I think when you're spending the sums of money Rangers did, it needs to be on players who are guaranteed to make an impact and hit the ground running - they can't be a gamble.

"Ridvan Yilmaz cost a few million and didn't get anywhere near the squad for the first couple of months and even since then has been in and out. Ben Davies also commanded a notable fee and hasn't been one Van Bronckhorst could call upon every week.

"With a player like John Souttar, Rangers knew injuries could be an issue, so it should not be a surprise they have been short at the back at times.

"There are still question marks over Rabbi Matondo too and while Malik Tillman has shown what he can do in flashes, it hasn't been consistent enough.

"Tom Lawrence's injury was unfortunate but if the view from within is his absence is the reason things are not going well then there are bigger problems that I first imagined.

"Only Antonio Colak has come in and produced to the level that is required but let's not forget he was brought in to push Alfredo Morelos on, not be Rangers' number one striker.

"The next two transfer windows are two of the biggest in Rangers' history. It is a crucial period coming up and it is vital those involved learn from what has happened.

"The answer isn't bolstering the squad anymore, additions need to be made that will make the starting XI better.

"There are some monumental calls to be made and absolutely no margin for error. There also needs to be some serious forward planning for next season as well given the number of players in the last six months of their present deals.

"A lot of people spoke about Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield and Steven Davis when they got new deals but Giovanni went back to them time and time again so it tells you all you need to know and that it was good business.

"To go another season might be a step too far for some and when you look at the number of players who could leave, players are going to have to come in.

"I think the recruitment team will be doing their job but it is going to have to be a lot better, there's no doubt about that."