Giovanni van Bronckhorst CONFIRMED as new Rangers manager to replace Steven Gerrard who quit to join Aston Villa

RANGERS have confirmed the appointment of Giovanni van Bronckhorst as new boss to replace Steven Gerrard.

The 46-year-old has been in talks with the Scottish side for the past week about returning to Ibrox 20 years after departing as a player.

Rex

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has been appointed as the new manager of Rangers following Steven Gerrard’s departure[/caption]

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Dutchman Van Bronckhorst played for the Scottish side for three years between 1998-2001[/caption]

Van Bronckhorst won the Scottish Premier League twice during his three-year spell before linking up with Arsenal in 2001.

He had jetted into London to hold talks with the Gers earlier this week about becoming their manager.

SunSport revealed on Wednesday night how the Dutchman was on the brink of succeeding Gerrard following positive discussions.

And Van Bronckhorst has now revealed his joy at returning to management – almost a year after departing Chinese club Guangzhou City.

Speaking to Rangers’ website, he said: “I am absolutely delighted to be returning to Rangers as the club’s new manager.

“I feel so lucky to be going to work with a squad which is in a great position on all fronts and largely has that experience of being winners.

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“I look forward to carrying on and enhancing the work that has been done already alongside Ross Wilson and the board of the club, and I’m grateful for the chance to work again at this huge football club.

“I cannot wait to meet the club’s incredible supporters again and begin this new era for us all.”

Van Bronckhorst spent just a year managing in China with Guangzhou coming 11th in his one season.

Prior to that he managed Feyenoord, having been promoted from assistant boss.

In his first season in the top job he won the KNVB Cup – the Dutch equivalent of the FA Cup.

The following year he led the club to their first Eredivisie title in 18 years.

Rangers chairman Douglas Park remarked: “I am delighted to welcome Giovanni as our manager to begin a new era and build further on what has already been achieved at the club.

“The team is in a good position on the park and, as a board, we will support both Giovanni and Ross Wilson to continue to make Rangers a success.

“I wish Giovanni all the very best in his role and look forward to working closely alongside him.”

Van Bronckhorst takes over a side sitting top of the table after 13 games played, with the club four points ahead of rivals Celtic.

Rangers, who could still qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League, face Hibernian on Sunday for a place in the League Cup final.