RANGERS chairman Douglas Park has detailed the reasoning behind Giovanni van Bronckhorst's sacking.

We exclusively revealed today that the Dutchman had been axed following a string of poor results both domestically and in Europe.

The Ibrox club's search for a new manager is now underway and early favourites include former boss Steven Gerrard and assistant Michael Beale.

It remains to be seen where Rangers will look, but for the time being chairman Park was keen to express his thanks to Van Bronckhorst.

READ MORE: Rangers statement on the sacking 

He commented: “I want to thank Gio for the hard work he has put in over the last 12 months and, especially, the achievements of taking the club to the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup last season.

“Unfortunately, recent results have not met neither our nor Gio’s expectations, and we have taken this difficult decision today. Everyone at Rangers wishes Gio every success in the future.”

READ MORE: Next Rangers manager odds as Giovanni van Bronckhorst is sacked

Van Bronckhorst – a former player at Ibrox – was appointed as Steven 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 in charge.

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