Le Guen leaves as Rangers manager

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GLASGOW, Scotland -- French manager Paul Le Guen has left Rangers by mutual consent after seven months in the job, the Scottish Premier League club have said.

Le Guen, who had the shortest reign in Rangers history, is replaced on a temporary basis by reserve team coach Ian Durrant.

The move follows Le Guen's high-profile falling out with midfielder Barry Ferguson, who was dropped and stripped of the captaincy for Tuesday's league win at Motherwell -- to the anger of many Rangers fans.

Le Guen said in a statement on Rangers's Web site: "I am disappointed to leave the club, but I think it is the best solution for all concerned.

"I would like to thank all the people who helped me and my team during my spell in Scotland. In particular, I would like to thank the directors, who at all times gave me their total support."

Club chairman David Murray said: "Having met with Paul, it was clear that in the interests of the club and all concerned we agreed jointly to him stepping down.

"We are all clearly disappointed with our current circumstances and will now focus on securing a suitable replacement."

Le Guen had hinted on Tuesday that his stay at Ibrox could soon be over.

Asked after the Motherwell win if Ferguson was now available for transfer, Le Guen told BBC Radio: "It remains to be seen. It depends on my own situation because the situation of a manager in this case is always precarious."

Fans chanted Ferguson's name before and after the match.

Despite the victory, second-placed Rangers are 17 points behind leaders and Glasgow rivals Celtic in the table.

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