Mark Warburton has been appointed as the Rangers manager on a three-year deal with the former club captain David Weir signing as his assistant.
The 52-year-old takes over from the interim manager, Stuart McCall, who was overlooked for the position after a humiliating 6-1 play-off final defeat to Motherwell cost the club their Scottish Premiership return. McCall had taken over the role in March following the resignation of Kenny McDowall.
Warburton had been available since leaving Brentford at the end of the season. They were promoted from League One as the runners-up in 2013-14 and reached the Championship play-offs last season but despite talks his contract was not extended. Weir, who spent five years at Ibrox and won 69 Scotland caps, was Warburton’s assistant at Brentford.
Warburton, who played non-league football before undertaking a successful career as a trader in the City of London, returned to football in 2006 after his career in finance as part of Watford’s youth coaching set-up.
Rangers said on their website: “Mark Warburton has today been confirmed as the manager of Rangers. He becomes the first Englishman to manage the club and he will bring with him former Rangers captain David Weir as his assistant, with both men signing on a three-year deal.
“The board would like to express its gratitude to Stuart McCall and Kenny Black for their contribution to the club in very difficult circumstances. They will always be welcomed back to Ibrox at any time. We wish them success in their futures.”
Warburton admitted his main task was to get the club back into the Scottish Premiership. He said: “Our job is to take the club forward as quickly as possible. It’s to come in here, work with the squad, gel quickly and help them achieve their target of promotion.
“Our aim is to win the division. It won’t happen overnight but we’ll put as much work as possible into the playing squad. I’m very aware of the size of the club and its traditions and we hope to take the club forward.”
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