Bennett steps down as Rangers chairman

John Bennett served as chairman for 17 months

John Bennett has stepped down as Rangers chairman "with immediate effect for health reasons", the club has announced.

Bennett, who took over from Douglas Park in April last year, will be replaced in the short term by former club director John Gilligan.

The outgoing chairman oversaw the appointment of manager Philippe Clement in October, following Michael Beale's sacking.

Rangers are currently without a chief executive following James Bisgrove's summer departure and are yet to play at Ibrox Stadium this season because of delayed renovation work.

However, after playing four home games at Hampden Park, Rangers will return to Ibrox for next Saturday's League Cup tie with Dundee.

Clement's team are away from home in the Premiership this weekend, against Dundee United on Sunday (12:00).

Rangers said in a statement: "The board of Rangers Football Club today announces chairman, John Bennett, is stepping down with immediate effect for health reasons.

"The board wants to sincerely thank John for his service and significant commitment over the last nine years and wishes him a full and speedy recovery. It is requested his and his family’s privacy is respected at this time.

"The board thanks John for stepping in at short notice and believes his experience in senior business roles throughout a long and successful career, and also, as a former director of Rangers, will be invaluable at this time.

"The board is undertaking a robust process with the help of professional advisors to fill the roles of CEO and chairperson. In the meantime, the club’s executive management team will continue to lead the club on a day-to-day basis."