Rangers have appointed former Club Brugge and Monaco boss Philippe Clement as their new manager.
The 49-year-old former Belgian defender replaces Michael Beale, who was sacked earlier this month after a shaky start to the season and has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract.
Clement, who played briefly in the Premier League with Coventry City, was sacked as Monaco coach in June after they finished sixth in Ligue 1.
Rangers have already lost three times in the Scottish Premier League this season and are seven points behind leaders Celtic with just eight games played.
In Europe, they exited the Champions League in the play-off round, losing 7–3 on aggregate to PSV Eindhoven.
Rangers have appointed Philippe Clement as their manager on a three-and-a-half-year contract
Clement, 49, previously coached Club Brugge in his home country and also Monaco
After beating Real Betis in their opening Europa League match, they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Cypriot team Aris Limassol on matchday two.
Clement’s first game in charge will be at home to Hibernian in the league on Saturday, before a Europa League visit to Sparta Prague the following Thursday.
Clement spent most of his playing career in his native Belgium, making 38 appearances for the national team. He coached Waasland-Beveren, Genk, Club Brugge and Monaco.
Clement said: “I am honored to have been appointed as the new manager of Rangers Football Club and I would like to thank the board for giving me this opportunity.
“I am extremely excited by this opportunity to achieve success with one of Europe’s most iconic clubs across four competitions, in what remains of this season and beyond.
‘I look forward to meeting the players and meeting our supporters in the coming days at next Saturday’s home game against Hibernian as we set out together to create a successful, winning Rangers.’
Chairman John Bennett said: “I would like to congratulate Philippe as he becomes our 19th manager.
Michael Beale was sacked earlier this month following Rangers’ poor form at the start of the season
Rangers are already catching up in the league and failed to reach the Champions League
“His appointment comes at the end of a carefully planned and extensive recruitment process.
“A team led by our CEO James Bisgrove, members of the board, and former Rangers player and manager Graeme Souness, have interviewed several high caliber candidates over the past ten days, with these individuals undergoing a rigorous interview and vetting process. We thank all candidates for their interest in the position.
“Philippe proved to be the excellent candidate across all key criteria, reinforced by his track record of winning titles and I wish him every success as he leads us forward.”
