Rangers players in Steven Gerrard departure bombshell as squad delivered news they were dreading

Rangers players have been told the news they were dreading – that manager Steven Gerrard is leaving.

The former Light Blues boss has now been confirmed as the new Aston Villa boss.

Gerrard was installed as favourite for the Midlands job as soon as Dean Smith was axed on Sunday.

Speculation intensified throughout the week and it has now been confirmed to the players who helped him deliver an historic first title for the club in a decade and earn him legendary status.

(REUTERS)

Players were told in a group WhatsApp chat that Gerrard and his entire backroom team - assistant Gary McAllister, first team coach Michael Beale, Tom Culshaw and others – are heading south with him.

Goalkeeper coach Colin Stewart is the only one not yet confirmed to be leaving, although negotiations are ongoing over his departure.

Ibrox chiefs now face a huge job in replacing the management team - and a race against time to get someone in place for the massive Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Hibs at Hampden next Sunday.

Former midfield hero Giovanni van Bronckhorst is the current favourite with his ex-team-mate Derek McInnes also high in the betting.