Rangers caretaker manager Kenny McDowall has quit the club.

The Ibrox club tonight confirmed the departure of the long-serving coach, who took over the reigns after the departure of Ally McCoist last month.

The announcement was made in a brief statement which was posted at 9.45pm on the Rangers website.

It stated: "Kenny McDowall has tendered his resignation as caretaker manager of Rangers Football Club, citing personal reasons for stepping down.

"Kenny, who has been a fantastic servant of the club, will serve his 12-month notice period, during which time he will remain 100% committed to his normal duties.

"The club respects Kenny's decision and he will continue to have the full support of everybody at Rangers."

There was no immediate comment from McDowall, but the notice period he must serve effectively leaving him frozen out for the game for a year unless compensation can be agreed between a club willing to sign him as manager and Rangers.

McDowall's last game in the dugout had been Friday's top of the table Championship game against Hearts at Ibrox.

It was called off before half-time due to the snow, with the score 0-0.

However, the match was played out against the backdrop of continuing fans unrest. Hundreds of them congregated outside the stadium before and after the game, some waving placards stating that they wanted their club back.

There were also tense scenes afterwards with minor scuffles as snowballs were thrown at the stadium as fans again congregated outside.

McDowall took over from Ally McCoists, who had been placed on gardening leave after tendering his resignation in mid-December.

It followed a series of disappointing results for the Championship club.

The decision could not have come at a worse time for the club, which is due to play Old Firm rivals Celtic on February 1 in a League Cup. semi-final at Hampden Park. It is the first time the sides have faced each other since 2012.