David Murray was once warned that running Rangers would take up 10% of his time but 90% of his life.

For 14 years that was a personal arrangement the businessman was willing to accept as he injected both his drive and millions into developing the Ibrox club both on and off the pitch. Yesterday, however, the 50-year-old announced that he was stepping down as chairman.

The Ibrox faithful enjoyed many memorable nights in the Champions League but the club never made it past the first group stage. Last season saw a run in Europe extend past Christmas for the first time in nine years but that coincided with a footballing recession that has hit Scotland harder than most European nations.

And gone for now are the glory days of domestic supremacy that Mr Murray enjoyed with Graeme Souness and Walter Smith as managers.

However, those who know Mr Murray say there is more to his resignation than this, or a frustration at the protracted SPL negotiations over broadcasting rights and the ''larger than life'' role he was being forced to endure at the helm of Rangers.

A very private man, Mr Murray's success has come with some tragedy in his personal life. He lost both legs in a car crash at 24 and became a widower 10 years ago when his wife, Louise, died of cancer.

While his involvement with Rangers ensures intense interest in every aspect of his life, the millionaire has largely kept his relationships out of the public eye, although he has been linked with TV newsreader Sarah Heaney and Patricia Fraser, the daughter of the late Sir Hugh Fraser, is said to be a constant companion.

Those who know him say that a desire to make room in his life for other interests, as much as commercial pressures, was likely to be behind the decision to step back from Rangers.

Donald Findlay, QC, a friend of Mr Murray's and former vice-chairman of Rangers, said last night that football had been a huge drain on the businessman's time and energy.

''David has built up a very successful business, he has his estate in Perthshire, houses elsewhere and his private plane. But the time must come in life when you want to enjoy these things a bit. There is no point in working away all your life not to enjoy the fruits of your success,'' he said.

That could mean a lot of time being spent in the sunshine at his new home in Antibes, even if Mr Murray's recent admission that a fax and a phone were all he needed to do business mean work will still be firmly on the agenda.

He also wants to spend more time with his sons, David, 28, and Keith, 26. David junior now runs Charlotte Ventures, the (pounds) 30m venture capital arm of Murray International Holdings (MIH). Keith, who worked for three years for Langham's, now runs Cosmos restaurant in Edinburgh.

Mr Murray remains the major shareholder of Rangers with 66% of the shares and the club still plays a key part in the holding company.

As Scotland's largest private company, MIH encompasses a huge network of separate firms ranging from the original steel and metal business which turns over (pounds) 150m a year to a huge property portfolio and Scotland's largest open-cast mine near Airdrie, which has generated its own share of adverse headlines for the company.

Mr Murray signalled his intention to move away from direct involvement in the club and expand his main business this year after John McClelland was brought in as vice-chairman to be groomed as his successor at Ibrox.

''Some days I was spending eight hours on football,'' he said. ''While I enjoy it, it's pointless because my energies could be better utilised. And also the same person trying to do the same trick all the time can be repetitive and not as effective as they can be. I don't want to become a football relic or a dinosaur.''

Mr Findlay said he did not know how easy it would be for the businessman to relinquish day-to-day control of Rangers after 14 years of close involvement.

''He has always been very hands-on in everything he has done in his life, so he will not find it that easy,'' he said.

''But I have no doubt that if the chap taking over has any sense he will use David as someone whom he can turn to for advice.

''That said, David may find it difficult, but if the new man is running the club then he will be given every opportunity to do it successfully.''

Mr Findlay said the uncertain state of finances in today's football were hardly ideal.

But he said they were unlikely to have greatly influenced Mr Murray's decision to step down.

''David Murray never ran away from a fight in his life. I suspect it's maybe a desire to spend more time with his other interests. And I am sure it will also be to enjoy the success he has achieved.''

Career highs and lows

l Born in Ayr, 1951. Sent to Fettes College, in Edinburgh, but was forced to leave after his father's business went bust.

l Started career, aged 17, in metals industry working with his uncle. Renovated flat in Duns and sold it for a (pounds) 500 profit.

l Quit his job as trainee aluminium salesman aged 22 and set up on his own.

l Tragedy struck in 1976 when a tyre blew out as he drove his Lotus home from a Dalkeith rugby match. The car hit a tree and Mr Murray lost both legs. Back at work within three months.

lMade his first million in 1982 by selling 10% of his steel stockholding business to selected Scottish institutions.

lStarted expansion into other areas of investment.

lIn 1988, after Ayr United snubs him, he buys Rangers Football Club for (pounds) 6m.

lHis Midas touch deserts him in 1991 with the ill-fated launch of the Sunday Scot newspaper. It lasts just four months.

lTragedy strikes in 1992 when his wife, Louise, dies of cancer.

lQuits as chairman of Rangers yesterday.