MICHAEL BEALE is the current odds-on favourite for the vacant Rangers managerial position.
The Ibrox club are on the lookout for a new boss after sacking Giovanni van Bronckhorst yesterday.
The Dutchman was axed after a string of poor results in the Scottish Premiership and in Europe and lasted just one year in charge.
A statement from the Ibrox club on Monday morning read: “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.
“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 added: “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.”
Beale was a highly-regarded coach under Gerrard at Ibrox and more recently at Aston Villa before branching out on his own to become QPR boss in June.
He is currently the favourite for the position with bookmakers OLBG, while Kevin Muscat and Sean Dyche are also fancied.
An OLBG spokesperson said: “Former Rangers No.2 Michael Beale, who worked under Steven Gerrard in their 2020/21 Scottish Premiership title-winning season, is the 1/2 odds-on favourite to return to Ibrox as the main man.
"Kevin Muscat is the 9/2 second-favourite to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst, while Sean Dyche is 6/1, with Gerardo Seoane 8/1.”
OLBG Rangers next manager odds
Michael Beale: 1/2
Kevin Muscat: 9/2
Sean Dyche: 6/1
Gerardo Seoane: 8/1
Kjetil Knutsen, Ralph Hassenhuttl, Steven Gerrard: 14/1
David Martindale: 16/1
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