McLeish agrees to four-year Ibrox deal

Rangers manager Alex McLeish has finally signed his new deal, tying him to the Ibrox club until 2007.

The Light Blues boss had been linked with a move to Tottenham earlier this week to replace the sacked Glenn Hoddle.

But the former Scotland international, chairman John McClelland and the Rangers board have now reached a full agreement.

McClelland said: “We are delighted that Alex has committed himself to the club.

“He has made an outstanding contribution to Rangers over a period in which we have achieved great success and has helped build a strong team spirit.”

McLeish took over an ailing Rangers team from Dick Advocaat in December 2001.

But the results were almost immediate with two cup successes by the end of the season and an end to Celtic’s domination in Old Firm derbies.

And, in his first full season as manager, McLeish secured the domestic treble, with the Bank of Scotland Premier League title captured in a nail-biting final day in May.

McLeish then overcame FC Copenhagen in the final qualifying round of this year’s Champions League to earn a place in the lucrative group stages for the first time since 2000.

And, in his opening game against Stuttgart, McLeish guided the team to a 2-1 victory with a team which is the only one in Britain with a 100% record intact this year.

Now ‘Big Eck’ is looking for greater glories for the Govan side after completing his new deal.

McLeish said: “I’ve had a very happy last couple of years with Rangers with many great memories.

“We’ve worked hard and accomplished great success and, with a talented team in place, we can look forward with confidence to the challenges that lie ahead.”