Kenny McDowall: Caretaker boss has resigned

Rangers caretaker-manager Kenny McDowall has resigned, citing personal reasons.

The Championship club announced that McDowall will serve a 12-month notice period under the terms of his contract, as his predecessor Ally McCoist was due to do.

McDowall succeeded McCoist when the latter stood down on 21 December and was placed on gardening leave.

A statement on the club website read: "Kenny McDowall has tendered his resignation as caretaker manager of Rangers Football Club, citing personal reasons for stepping down.

"Kenny, who has been a fantastic servant of the club, will serve his 12-month notice period, during which time he will remain 100% committed to his normal duties. The club respects Kenny’s decision and he will continue to have the full support of everybody at Rangers."

McDowall's spell in sole charge began in inauspicious circumstances - a 4-0 defeat at Hibernian - but he has since overseen victories over Dumbarton and Alloa.

The news comes against the backdrop of an increasingly bitter battle for boardroom control with the club admitting on Monday that they may have to mortgage off Ibrox stadium as secuirty on a loan.

The current board has also urged former director Dave King to withdraw his call for an extraordinary general meeting - in order to save expenses.

King wants to remove the board - and replace them with Paul Murray, John Gilligan and himself - but the present incumbents contend a meeting would be costly and disruptive.