MICHAEL BEALE has been appointed as the 18th permanent Rangers manager.
The former coach has completed an emotional return to Ibrox yesterday to succeed Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Beale - a highly-rated coach - was a popular member of Steven Gerrard's backroom team during their time in Glasgow and has now returned for a crack at the top job.
It has been a quickfire appointment for Rangers chiefs during the World Cup break with just seven days between Van Bronckhorst's exit and Beale's arrival.
Our reporter Chris Jack exclusively broke the major news of Van Bronckhorst's sacking and we've been on top of the latest developments ever since.
Here is the whole story, from Giovanni van Bronckhorst's dismissal to Michael Beale's appointment...
FATE SEALED
Giovanni van Bronckhorst was under increasing pressure at Ibrox as the winter break approached with Celtic stretching their lead at the top to seven.
If he was going to survive to return to lead the team when domestic fixtures kick-off again, he couldn't afford to see the gap extend to nine. But it did.
A point against St Mirren - with a penalty to thank for it - avoided defeat for Rangers in Paisley but couldn't save Van Bronckhorst his job.
Chris Jack was at the game and his immediate reaction branded the result - or perhaps more so performance - a terminal case for Rangers' title hopes and Van Bronckhorst's job.
'NO FEAR'
Despite another uninspiring performance, Van Bronckhorst was bullish on his position and insisted he had "no fear" over his role.
The Dutchman admitted he would speak with the board during the break but was already shifting his focus to facing Hibs after the World Cup in his post-match press conference.
You can read exactly what Van Bronckhorst said in what would end up being his final post-match press conference as Rangers boss below.
DECISION MADE
More than a week passed from the draw with St Mirren with no change made.
But by the time Monday, November 21 had come around, Van Bronckhorst was relieved of his duties.
Performances and results in recent weeks had been deemed unacceptable and led to the boardroom call.
ON THE BRINK
In just two days the narrative had switched from Van Bronckhorst on the brink of the sack to Beale on the brink of the job.
It was just over 48 hours on from the exclusive confirming Van Bronckhorst's departure before a huge development with Rangers edging closer to landing their man.
He had turned down Wolves previously but all things pointed towards Beale becoming the newest appointment at Ibrox.
OFFICIAL APPROACH
Rangers submitted an official approach to land Beale on Saturday.
Ibrox officials opened formal discussions with QPR before quickfire talks with Beale.
And it was successful talks with Rangers agreeing to pay compensation to bring Beale back to Ibrox.
NEW ERA
Rangers yesterday confirmed the appointment of Michael Beale as manager.
A quickfire managerial search was concluded with a return for a familiar face.
Beale agreed to depart QPR after five months in charge to return to Ibrox but this time as the manager in his own right.
FIRST WORDS
Michael Beale quickly delivered a rousing message to Rangers supporters after his appointment.
The new Ibrox boss insisted he's desperate to create an exciting team capable of winning matches and trophies.
And he stated fans are at the centre of his work, adding: "You are the most important part of this football club."
WHAT NEXT?
Today is Beale's first full day as Rangers manager.
His side sit nine points adrift of Celtic at the top of the league in the winter break.
And he'll be straight to work with friendlies against Swansea and Bayer Leverkusen to come next month before the return to competitive action.
But how can he turn things around at Ibrox?
