Scottish Premiership news: Rangers announce Graeme Murty as manager until end of the season

RANGERS have appointed Graeme Murty as manager until the end of the season.

Gers had previously confirmed he would remain manager at least until the end of this year.

But now his reign has been extended until the end of season, with a club statement confirming: "Rangers announce today that Graeme Murty has been appointed manager until the end of the 2017/18 season.

"The club’s directors believe Graeme has demonstrated he is capable of handling this task successfully and are confident the players will continue to respond to his leadership in a positive manner.

"With so much still at stake in the current season this decision was not taken lightly but now that Graeme has been given full control he can work towards the obvious targets with greater focus.

"It is important to concentrate on the remainder of this campaign – the Scottish Cup and maintaining a challenge at the top of the Scottish Premiership – and with Graeme now in charge until at least the end of the season, he and the players can tackle the challenges ahead with renewed confidence and belief.

"Graeme has already secured a number of positive results – notably against Aberdeen home and away and Hibernian, also away – in recent weeks and more results like those are required.

"It should be noted that Graeme will have the final say on which additions will be made during the January transfer window, which should be perfectly understandable given that he’ll be working longer term with the first-team squad. This will allow him to make important judgement calls.

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Murty expressed his delight at the news, describing it as a 'genuine privilege' as he thanked fans for their support.

He said: "; It is a genuine privilege for me to be made manager until the end of the season.

"It’s a huge honour to be asked to do so and I will continue to give everything I have to ensure we have a positive second half of the campaign. There is still so much to play for and we cannot let our fans down.

“They have been incredible. They have given me so much great support during my two spells in the dugout and I would like to thank everyone for their backing.

Gers managing director Stewart Robertson said: "Graeme has shown he has the qualities and desire to take charge of the first-team and he will have full control of first-team affairs between now and the end of the season.

"He has a first-class attitude and has secured favourable results against our nearest rivals in recent weeks.

"He deserves this chance to make an impact in the second half of 2017/18."