Rangers sack manager Gio van Bronckhorst as Steven Gerrard becomes early favorite

Steven Gerrard is among the early favorites to become the new manager of Rangers after the dismissal of Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The Dutchman - a former Ibrox player - was named Gerrard's successor a year ago and led the club to the Europa League final and a first Scottish Cup triumph in 13 years at the end of his first campaign at the head.

However, he paid the price for a poor start to the season in which Rangers endured a humiliating Champions League group stage and fell nine points behind city rivals Celtic , at the top of the Premiership.

A statement from the Ibrox club on Monday morning read: "Rangers Football Club confirms today that it has parted ways with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

"The Board would like to express its sincere thanks to Gio for all his efforts since his appointment as Director.

"Unfortunately, the results and performance of the last few months have not met expectations and the decision was taken today by the board of directors to terminate the manager's contract. The search for the new manager is now in progress."

Chairman Douglas Park added: "I would like to thank Gio for his hard work over the past 12 months and, in particular, for leading the club to the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup last season.

"Unfortunately, recent results have not lived up to our expectations or Gio's, and we have made this difficult decision today. Everyone at Rangers wishes Gio every success in the future. < /p>

Rangers have just over three weeks to find a successor to Van Bronckhorst, with their first match after the World Cup break at home against Hibernian on December 15.

Gerrard - who was recently sacked by Aston Villa - has become early favorite to replace Van Bronckhorst.

This date probably wouldn't sit well with the Rangers fan base.

Gerrard had told a reporter not to ask silly questions when asked whether or not he was considering leaving the Gers for a Premier League club, before leaving for Villa two weeks later.< /p>

The Liverpool legend brought Rangers 55th league title to Ibrox during an unbeaten campaign, although it was the only trophy he won in three years at Ibrox.

It's certainly not enough for a club like Rangers, who have very demanding supporters.

It started to fall apart for Gerrard at Villa after his assistant Michael Beale left in the summer to become Queens Park Rangers boss.

Many believe Beale was the mastermind behind the operation since Gerrard won the league with the Teddy Bears.

The QPR boss is also one of the favorites to take over from Ibrox, with former Burnley manager Sean Dyche also in the mix.

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