Kenny McDowall has tendered his resignation as caretaker manager of Rangers for "personal reasons", the club have announced

.The club announced McDowall will serve a 12-month notice period under the terms of his contract, as his predecessor Ally McCoist was due to do.

McDowall succeeded McCoist when the latter stood down on December 21 and was placed on garden leave.

In a surprise late-night move, the club confirmed McDowall's departure in a brief three-line statement.

It said: "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 per cent committed to his normal duties.

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