Rangers sack manager Beale after poor start

Rangers have sacked boss Michael Beale after a disastrous start to the season.

The Ibrox club issued a statement confirming the departure of Beale, 43, and read: "Results this season have fallen short of what everyone connected to Rangers would expect.

"Therefore, the decision was reached today to terminate the contract of the manager, as well as the contracts of coaches Neil Banfield, Damian Matthew, Harry Watling and Jack Ade."

Veteran midfielder Steven Davis will lead the interim management team.

Calls for Beale's departure increased following the 3-1 home defeat to Aberdeen on Saturday, with the players again booed off the park.

The third loss in seven cinch Premiership fixtures left the Light Blues seven points behind leaders Celtic and with their title hopes already in jeopardy.

The statement continued: "The club is pleased to announce that Steven Davis will lead the interim management team.

"The team will consist of former Rangers player and hugely experienced coach Alex Rae, former Rangers player and current coach Steven Smith, coach Brian Gilmour and goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart."

Calls for Beale's departure increased following the 3-1 home defeat to Aberdeen on Saturday, with the players again booed off the park.

The third loss in seven cinch Premiership fixtures left the Light Blues seven points behind leaders Celtic and with their title hopes already in jeopardy.

The statement continued: "The club is pleased to announce that Steven Davis will lead the interim management team.

"The team will consist of former Rangers player and hugely experienced coach Alex Rae, former Rangers player and current coach Steven Smith, coach Brian Gilmour and goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart."