Le Guen relieved of Rangers duties

Ferguson fall-out
The former Olympique Lyonnais coach lasted just seven months at Ibrox – the shortest reign in the club's history. His departure follows a much-publicised falling out with Rangers captain Barry Ferguson, with whom he endured a difficult relationship. Le Guen claimed Ferguson was undermining his authority and provoked an angry reaction among some Rangers supporters by stripping Ferguson of the captaincy on 1 January – an act that led many to believe the Scottish international midfielder would leave the club in the imminent future.

'Disappointed to leave'
Instead it is Le Guen, a replacement last summer for Alex McLeish, who has made way. Rangers chairman David Murray said: "Having met with Paul it was clear that in the interests of the club we agreed jointly to him stepping down as manager." Le Guen added: "I am disappointed to leave the club, but I think it is the best solution for all concerned. I would like to thank all the people who helped me and my team during my spell in Scotland. In particular I would like to thank the directors who at all times gave me their total support."

UEFA Cup progress
Le Guen leaves with Rangers placed second in the Scottish Premier League, but 17 points adrift of leaders and arch-rivals Celtic FC. However, the Light Blues have made progress in the UEFA Cup this season, winning Group A to set up a Round of 32 tie with Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC next month. The 42-year-old arrived in Scotland after a hugely successful spell with Lyon whom he led to three successive Ligue 1 titles as well as the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2004 and 2005.