Murray leaves Rangers post

David Murray has announced he is to step aside as chairman of Rangers FC after 14 years in control of the Scottish Premier League club.

McClelland succeeds
Entrepreneur Murray has passed the day-to-day running of the club on to vice-chairman John McClelland with immediate effect. Murray has been one of the most powerful and influential figures in the Scottish game since he first took control of the Ibrox club in 1988. But after 14 years trying to transform Rangers into the dominant force in Scotland and a power in the European club scene he has passed the baton on to a new man.

'I will still be available'
Murray remains the major shareholder in Rangers with a 60 per cent stake in the club and has now assumed the title of honorary chairman. Murray admitted: "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. I will still be available for support and advice when required."

'Great privilege'
McClelland took a seat on the Rangers board of directors in November 2000 and has admitted he will lean on Murray's experience as he settles into the job. "This is obviously a great privilege and I value David and the board's confidence in me by making this appointment," added McClelland

Nine consecutive titles
During Murray's spell as chairman, Rangers won the league title eleven times, including a record-equalling nine-in-a-row run between 1989 and 1997. Rangers also competed in the UEFA Champions League on four occasions and came within one match of the final in 1993. Murray also instigated groundbreaking transfer deals starting in 1989 with the signing of Maurice Johnston - the first high-profile Catholic to join the club.

Financial restraints
And two years ago he dug deep to allow former manager Dick Advocaat to smash the Scottish transfer record with the €18.7m purchase of Tore André Flo from Chelsea FC. The financial climate of the game in Scotland means this is a record that is likely to stand for many years to come and new chairman McClelland must take on his role without the luxury of a huge transfer budget to offer manager Alex McLeish.