ALLY McCoist's reign as Rangers manager has finally come to an end, with the club confirming he has been placed on gardening leave for the remainder of his 12-month notice period.

It was announced last Monday that the 52-year-old had handed in his resignation, but McCoist was adamant that he would see out the 12-month notice period of his contract.

He lasted just two days more before his time in charge of the Glasgow giants was brought to an end.

McCoist's number two Kenny McDowall will now take the reins for the remainder of the season, with new chief executive Derek Llambias' now tasked with leading the search for the next manager.

A statement posted on the club's website said: "Rangers would like to announce that Ally McCoist is relinquishing his duties as manager and will serve out the remainder of his 12 month notice period on gardening leave.

"We would like to thank Ally for all his hard work and dedication over the last few years, but we feel it is now in the best interests of all parties to move on.

"Assistant Manager Kenny McDowall will take over his duties until the end of the season."

The club earlier revealed that McCoist will be paid a salary of £750,000 for his remaining 12 months.

Fans last night welcomed the decision to place him gardening leave, saying it was the right move for the club.

Chris Graham, spokesman for supporters group Union of Fans, said: "I'm surprised it's taken this long to reach a fairly obvious conclusion.

"We were all slightly puzzled last week when he wasn't immediately placed on gardening leave.

"To retain a manager who's handed in his notice, it was a little bit odd. This seems like the best decision for everyone."

Mr Graham added that McCoist can now walk away with his head held high, retaining his status as a club legend.

"Everyone has had an opinion on his managerial style", he said. "He's had to operate under very difficult circumstances, but it would be fair to say that football at times has been pretty bland.

"It's better if he goes and he immediately reverts back to Rangers legend, rather than having all these negative statements against him.

"People will just start to remember what he's done for the club, not just as a player, but throughout administration and liquidation.

"It took a great deal of strength of character to take the club through that and I'm sure people will look back at how he conducted himself in one of the darkest period's in the club's history and be in no doubt about what he's done for Rangers."

Asked what the future holds for the club, Mr Graham said it would be better if the current board weren't the ones making the decision on who should be the next Rangers manager.

McCoist had been facing increasing pressure to go following a surprise 3-2 defeat by part-timers Alloa Athletic in the Petrofac Training Cup semi-final.

He is also believed to have become alarmed at the number of staff losing their jobs at the club.

The manager, originally from Bellshill, was a Rangers player for 15 years as well as playing for St Johnstone, Sunderland, Kilmarnock and Scotland.

He had been assistant manager at Ibrox under Walter Smith and stepped up as his successor in summer 2011 while Rangers were still in the Scottish Premier League.

ENDS