Giovanni van Bronckhorst has broken his silence after departing Rangers, taking to social media with a statement that admits domestic form was 'unacceptable' during his tenure.

And while the Dutch coach takes a straightforward approach to his team's failings he also notes facing "unique challenges and some very difficult circumstances".

This is likely a reference to losing Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey, arguably his two best players, in the transfer window while their replacements were among 10 first-team squad members out of action with injury by the time the axe fell last week.

The manager was relieved of his duties following a string of poor results that left the Ibrox side nine points adrift of Celtic in the title race. He is set to be replaced by former coach and QPR manager Michael Beale as the 18th manager in the club's history.

Van Bronckhorst's spell was marked by a strangely mercurial performance level that was to be his undoing. The club reached the Europa League final, won a Scottish Cup and qualified for the Champions League but also struggled against less glamourous opposition domestically, particularly away from home.

The Dutchman, who was always a classy, conciliatory figure in good times and bad, left a heartfelt message of thanks to supporters as he looked to draw a final line under his tenure.

He said: "The opportunity to manage an institution like Rangers FC is a privilege which very few are afforded. As a former player, I understood the responsibility and magnitude of the task.

"My backroom team and I worked with energy, passion and were driven with a belief that we could achieve amazing things. We treated our roles with respect, optimism and determination.

"We experienced some incredible highs, especially on our European journey to Seville. Winning the Scottish Cup for the first time in over a decade and qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League is something I am very proud of. The passion of our support drove us on to achieve those wonderful memories. For that, I am forever grateful to every single one of you who travelled near and far, spent your hard-earned money, and never gave up supporting our team.

"This season, like every year at Rangers, the first priority is domestic success. I understand the hurt when wins become draws, and worse, when we experience defeat. That isn’t acceptable at a club of Rangers standing, no one understood that and felt that more than I did. I faced unique challenges and some very difficult circumstances to operate in.

"Rangers FC will always be in my heart and I wish the club all the success for the future. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger."

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