Gio van Bronckhorst has revealed there were problems behind the scenes at Rangers as the former boss breaks his silence for the first time since his sacking on November 21.
The Dutchman has taken to Instagram to release a statement on his time with the club which came to an end after a dismal draw with St Mirren which plunged them nine points behind rivals Celtic after 15 Premiership games.
And he has mentioned 'unique challenges' and 'difficult circumstances to operate in' as he shows great respect and class in his address to supporters which looks like he was not backed in the transfer market although he could also be referring to the huge injury list at Rangers with key stars like Tom Lawrence, Connor Goldson, John Souttar, Fil Helander, Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi all missing.
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He said: "The opportunity to manage an institution like Rangers FC is a privilege which very few are afforded. As a former player, I understood the responsibility and magnitude of the task.
"My backroom team and I worked with energy, passion and were driven with a belief that we could achieve amazing things. We treated our roles with respect, optimism and determination.
"We experienced some incredible highs, especially on our European journey to Seville. Winning the Scottish Cup for the first time in over a decade and qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League is something I am very proud of. The passion of our support drove us on to achieve those wonderful memories. For that, I am forever grateful to every single one of you who travelled near and far, spent your hard earned money, and never gave up supporting our team.
"This season, like every year at Rangers, the first priority is domestic success. I understand the hurt when wins become draws, and worse, when we experience defeat. That isn’t acceptable at a club of Rangers standing, no one understood that and felt that more than I did. I faced unique challenges and some very difficult circumstances to operate in.
"Rangers FC will always be in my heart and I wish the club all the success for the future. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger."
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