Bain resigns as Rangers chief executive after launching legal action against club

Martin Bain has resigned from his position as chief executive of Rangers.

News of his departure was confirmed in a statement by the Ibrox club to the stock exchange yesterday afternoon.

The statement read: "The board announces that Martin Bain has resigned as a director and employee of the company with immediate effect."

Bain revealed earlier this week that he had instructed his lawyers to open legal proceedings against Rangers.

Bain and fellow director Donald McIntyre were suspended by the club last month pending an internal inquiry. That development had followed the removal from the board of chairman Alastair Johnston and director Paul Murray in the wake of new owner Craig Whyte's takeover of the Scottish champions.

Whyte has been quoted as saying there was "no need" for a chief executive following the recent appointments of Gordon Smith as director of football and Ali Russell as director of operations and commercial activity.

In quotes carried in a national newspaper, Whyte said: "In Gordon Smith we have a focused, experienced guy working on our set-up at Murray Park and looking at youth development. Ali is more on the commercial side, looking for new deals and so on. With him doing that and Gordon on the football side, we've got most things covered."

Confirming his plans to take his case to court, Bain said in a statement on Monday: "I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and for those in the wider Rangers family who have expressed their disappointment in the way my situation has been dealt with.

"Serving RFC for the last 15 years has been a privilege and although we have had tough times I have always had the loyal support of our fans and supporters. It was not pleasant for me or my family to read in newspapers that I had been replaced and never to return to the club I have served with pride.

"However I will now hand matters over to my legal advisors.

"Those responsible will have the opportunity to explain what they have done and why in court."

Meanwhile, Kyle Hutton believes Allan McGregor is well capable of starring in the top flight in England - but hopes the highly-rated keeper stays at Rangers.

The Scotland number one has been linked with a move to Aston Villa, although the Ibrox club's new owner, Whyte, has said the 29-year-old is not for sale.

Hutton has no doubt about McGregor's ability but is heartened by the fact that, so far, the Scottish champions have managed to keep their big stars.

"You've seen what Allan did last season, he was outstanding," said the 20-year-old midfielder.

"The saves he pulled off and the way he conducts himself on the pitch, he could easily play in England.

"So if we can keep a hold of him, that will be a big plus.

"It is a bonus (that the squad is intact]. If you are comfortable with your team-mates it can only be a good thing."