Rangers have sacked Michael Beale.

The Ibrox club has confirmed the departure of the manager this evening.

The Englishman leaves Rangers off the back of a 3-1 defeat to Aberdeen on Saturday, which proved to be the final nail in the coffin of his time at the club. They fell seven points behind Celtic in the Premiership as a result. 

Rangers have decided to act now with Beale lasting less than 12 months in the role after he was drafted in last November to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

A club statement reads: "Rangers Football Club can confirm it has parted company with men’s first-team manager, Michael Beale.

"The Rangers board would like to put on record their thanks to Michael and his staff for their efforts since joining the club last November.

"Results this season have fallen short of what everyone connected to Rangers would expect.

"Therefore, the decision was reached today to terminate the contract of the manager, as well as the contracts of coaches Neil Banfield, Damian Matthew, Harry Watling and Jack Ade.

"The club is pleased to announce that Steven Davis will lead the interim management team.

"The team will consist of former Rangers player and hugely experienced coach Alex Rae, former Rangers player and current coach Steven Smith, coach Brian Gilmour, and goalkeeping coach, Colin Stewart."

READ MORE: Michael Beale realises ultimate Rangers irony after sacking

Rangers Chairman, John Bennett, commented: “I’d like to thank Michael for his dedicated work since he re-joined the club as manager last November.

“It is clear that results have fallen well short of the board’s, Michael’s and our supporters’ expectations.

“The search process for the new manager is already underway. I wish Steven Davis and the interim management team every success - they will remain in charge for as long as it takes to make the right appointment.”