Rangers legend Van Bronckhorst returns to Ibrox as manager

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has succeeded Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as manager of Scottish champions Rangers. 

The former Gers, Arsenal and Barcelona star returns to Ibrox, subject to a work permit, to fill the void left by Gerrard's switch to Aston Villa. 

Van Bronckhorst, 46, 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 in a great position on all fronts and largely has that experience of being winners. 

"I look forward to carrying on and enhancing the work that has been done 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." 

Gerrard, 41, led Rangers to Scottish Premiership glory last season and left the club last week with the team four points clear at the top of the table. 

And the Ibrox faithful will hope Van Bronckhorst can pick up where their former boss left off. 

During his time as a player in Glasgow, the Dutch international won two league titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup, making 118 appearances and scoring 22 goals in the process. 

After moving into management, Van Bronckhorst masterminded Feyenoord's 2016-17 Eredivisie title triumph and lifted the KNVB Cup twice before taking charge of Chinese Super League club Guangzhou City last year.

Rangers chairman Douglas Park said: "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 [sporting director] Ross Wilson to continue to make Rangers a success." 

Wilson added: "I am delighted to welcome Gio back to Rangers. He was respected throughout Europe as a player and has already shown why he has that same respect as a coach. 

"Gio has already shown himself to be a winner. He knows the club, he knows the quality of the squad and is absolutely aligned with our approach and mindset. 

"He has been part of a long list of managers we have been tracking for a period of time to ensure we are always ready. 

"When Steven intimated his decision last Wednesday, we immediately got to work on what was then a focused shortlist. 

"We held initial talks within 48 hours and concluded our decision making within six days of the role becoming available.

"We found agreement with Gio extremely quickly and have enjoyed working with him on assembling the backroom team that will complement an already excellent support staff we have built here at Rangers."