Advocaat to leave Rangers

Advocaat (right) will work full-time with Holland

Dick Advocaat is to stand down from his position as director of football at Rangers in November to concentrate on his commitments as manager of the Netherlands.

The Dutchman took over the reins of his national side for the second time earlier this year in a job-share with the KNVB, but will return to Holland on a full-time basis.

The Dutch failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup finals and Advocaat has been charged with getting them to Euro 2004.

Advocaat stepped aside as club manager at Ibrox in December to allow Alex McLeish to take over the running of first team matters.

McLeish has already won the Scottish and CIS Insurance Cups and took Rangers to the top of the SPL for the first time in 25 months last week.

Ibrox honorary chairman David Murray took time to praise Advocaat's work in his time in Glasgow.

Advocaat enjoyed two great seasons at Ibrox

"Dick Advocaat's achievements with Rangers should not be underestimated in any way," said Murray.

"His determination in creating training and youth development facilities benefits our club and has created a solid foundation for the future.

"I thank him for his contribution."

Advocaat, who was due to step down at the end of the season, arrived at Ibrox in the summer of 1998 after a successful spell with PSV Eindhoven and a previous stint with the Dutch national side.

Rangers won the domestic Treble in Advocaat's first season and the Premier League and Scottish Cup double the following term.

Martin O'Neill's arrival at Glasgow rivals Celtic in 2000 signalled a downturn in Rangers' fortunes and brought an end to Advocaat's trophy haul.

Rangers have no plans to appoint a new director of football.