Graeme Murty to remain as Rangers manager until the end of the year at least

GRAEME MURTY will remain in charge of Rangers until the end of the year at least, the club has confirmed.

It was announced earlier today that Derek McInnes, who was prime candidate to take over at Ibrox, would remain at Aberdeen as he felt that was his best option.

Club Statement: https://t.co/eTnDxkbL4e pic.twitter.com/2EvylwhNGg

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) December 7, 2017

Rangers have since responded, with a statement on the club’s website noting: “We endorse that position because moving to a massive club like Rangers is a big step with concomitant risk.

“We continue to consider candidates but will only appoint someone in whom we have full confidence and who feels he is ready for the job.”

The statement also confirmed that Graeme Murty would be in charge until at least January.

Aberdeen confirm Derek McInnes will not be joining Rangers

THE FULL STATEMENT

THERE has been a great deal of media speculation regarding the appointment of a new manager. We assure all supporters that they will be the first to know when we are certain we have someone with the correct qualities required by our club.

The Chairman made it clear at the AGM that the club did not consider there to be an outstanding candidate among those who had applied for the position and the club was therefore considering managers currently under contract. This requires permission from their present clubs.

The position of Rangers manager requires an ability to win football matches and the mentality to cope with the demanding off-pitch environment that goes with being the Rangers manager. This is a critical aspect of our assessment of any candidate during the interview process.

After the two games against Aberdeen, we requested permission to engage with their manager to assess his readiness and willingness to consider the Rangers position. This was declined. We were subsequently made aware by Aberdeen’s statement that, at this stage in his career, it would be best for him to remain in his current post. We endorse that position because moving to a massive club like Rangers is a big step with concomitant risk. We continue to consider candidates but will only appoint someone in whom we have full confidence and who feels he is ready for the job.

In the meantime, we have great confidence in Graeme Murty, who will continue as interim manager at least until the end of the year. The manner in which he has approached this task is a credit to himself and the club.