David Murray to step down

We've had the good, the bad and the money-grabbing DM, I think he's made the smart choice

RANGERS have today announced that David Murray is stepping down from his role as chairman of the club.

In a dramatic changing of the guards at Ibrox John McClelland will take over from Murray, who will continue in the role of honorary chairman and maintain his major shareholding of 66 per cent.

McClelland, understudy to Murray since Novermber 2000, will have sole control of Rangers’ operations as his predecessor seeks a slightly more withdrawn position.

Murray has been instrumental in the phenomenal success at Ibrox during his 14-year tenure, arguably the greatest period of the club’s history.

He bows out leaving a legacy as the man who never shirked a challenge in his bid to drive Rangers to the top of European football.

Murray said: "It has been a great honour to have held the position of chairman for 14 years but I feel a change of management style would be beneficial for the club as the whole industry faces new challenges.

"A strong team is now in place to assist John in reaching our financial, commercial and football targets which collectively must be more realistic as recently costs have soared and incomes remained static. These facts are facing all clubs at present.

"I will still be available for support and advice when required. This move will also allow me personally to focus more time on my role as chairman of Murray International Holdings."

McClelland said: "This is obviously a great privilege and I value David and the Board’s confidence in me by making this appointment.

"Although these are changing times in football and business in general, there are many important aspects of Rangers Football Club that will not change, one of these being the excellence displayed in Rangers operations under the outstanding leadership of David.

"His time as chairman has given the club the most successful period in its history. As honorary chairman he will still have a key role and will be there to provide ongoing advice to all of us at Rangers in the future."