Rangers have officially confirmed the departure of Issame Charai, a key member of the club’s backroom team.

The Belgian coach joined the Ibrox side in January to support his compatriot Philippe Clement, but has now left the club following Clement’s dismissal earlier this year and the subsequent changes in the coaching set-up.

A statement released by Rangers read:

“Rangers can today confirm the departure of Issame Charai from the men’s first-team coaching staff. Charai, who joined the club in January to assist Philippe Clement, remained on the coaching staff through Barry Ferguson’s spell in charge. However, following the appointment of Russell Martin as head coach, it has been mutually agreed for Charai to move on with the best wishes of everyone at Rangers.”

Chief Executive Patrick Stewart also paid tribute to Charai's contribution:

“I want to place on record the sincere thanks of both the club and I to Issame for his work over the past six months. Through the managerial transition in February and beyond, he handled himself superbly and was a real asset to Barry and his staff during their period in charge of the team.”

“As the men’s first team moves into a new era under Russell, it has been agreed between the club and Issame that he will now move on. For whatever comes next, I wish him the very best of luck. He will always be welcome back at Ibrox.”

Reflecting on his departure, Charai said:

“As I leave Rangers, I want to thank everyone at the club for their support during my time here. This is a really special club, and as it enters a new era, I want to wish everyone associated with the club the very best for what comes next.”

Charai had remained at the club under Barry Ferguson following Clement’s departure and played a supportive role throughout the transitional period.