RANGERS chairman Douglas Park has thrown his support behind new Ibrox boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst to begin a "new era" at the club.

Van Bronckhorst was this evening appointed as Steven Gerrard's successor at Rangers, becoming the club's 17th permanent manager.

And the Ibrox chairman has vowed to support both the new manager and Ross Wilson to "continue to make Rangers a success".

Rangers chairman Park told the club website: “I am delighted to welcome Giovanni as our manager to begin a new era and build further on what has already been achieved at the club.

“The team is in a good position on the park and, as a board, we will support both Giovanni and Ross Wilson to continue to make Rangers a success.

“I wish Giovanni all the very best in his role and look forward to working closely alongside him.”

On his appointment, Van Bronckhorst said: “I am absolutely delighted to be returning to Rangers as the club’s new manager.

“I feel so lucky to be going to work with a squad which is in a great position on all fronts and largely has that experience of being winners.

“I look forward to carrying on and enhancing the work that has been done already alongside Ross Wilson and the board of the club, and I’m grateful for the chance to work again at this huge football club.

“I cannot wait to meet the club’s incredible supporters again and begin this new era for us all.”