Kenny McDowall admits he was surprised to see news of his Rangers resignation leaked - after claiming the club's board told him it would remain confidential.

The Ibrox caretaker handed in his 12-month notice last Thursday as he decided he had had enough after just three games in charge.

But the 51-year-old had not even informed his players that he was now working out the final days of his Gers reign when the news was leaked to the media.

McDowall claims the situation was supposed to be kept private after talks with chief executive Derek Llambias - but was then shocked to see headlines announcing his departure appear on television.

Asked if his decision was supposed to remain confidential, the former St Mirren striker said: "Yeah. I tendered my resignation on the Thursday after deciding the day before I was going to do it.

"But it came out on TV, so the players saw it before I could get to them. I just had to tell them as it was and ask that they keep working hard.

"Was I surprised when it came out? Yeah.

"I was working my notice so (it was supposed it to remain in-house) for 12 months."

McDowall insists it was an "honour" to manage the Ibrox side, even on an interim basis - but admits he needs a break from life at the Old Firm.

The former Celtic youth coach looked uneasy in the top job since being asked to take the team by the board last month.

And he admits he needs time to clear his head following eight turbulent years at Ibrox, which started when Walter Smith lured him from Parkhead to become first-team coach and then saw the club brought to its knees by the 2012 liquidation crisis.

McDowall - who helped Gers win three successive titles before they were banished to the lower leagues - said: "It wasn't an easy decision. It was one I discussed with the family and I just decided I was more than happy to honour my contract and work my 12 months.

"But the last four years have been tough. Everybody is aware of that. It was time to step aside.

"The off-field matters have been there for the last three or four years. Absolutely they take a toll on you. I won't deny that.

"I've been nearly 18 years at the Old Firm. That's quite a long time and it does take its toll on you. I will have a break probably, but we will see.

"Walter Smith brought me here as coach eight years ago as first-team coach. Now I'm sitting here as caretaker manager wondering where everybody has went.

"It's just a bit strange. I've tried to handle it as best I can. Nevertheless it's been a fantastic experience.

"This is a massive job and it's an absolute honour to be sitting here as caretaker. That's what made it such a difficult decision.

"To put my notice in wasn't easy but I just feel it was right for me and my family.

Ally McCoist's former assistant has endured a roller-coaster existence in his short time in the Light Blues hot-seat.

He was given the job when McCoist was put on garden leave five weeks ago and his first game ended in a 4-0 thrashing by Hibernian - the Leith side's biggest win since 1912.

They then beat Dumbarton 3-1 before edging past Alloa with a 1-0 success but saw last Friday's crucial Scottish Championship clash with leaders Hearts abandoned as snow made the Ibrox pitch unplayable.

But he insists he has no regrets about staying on when the McCoist resigned last month: "No I think it was my duty. I didn't know Ally was going to resign. I was under contract and the players needed someone to take them through the week and on a Saturday. I felt that was my duty."

But McDowall - who will be in charge for Saturday's trip to Cowdenbeath - admits he is not sure of the board will follow the route they took with McCoist and axe him from the dug-out before his notice period ends.

"I have said I will honour my contract but I don't think that's really a question for me," he said. "I am here and I can only do my job until told otherwise."