David Murray, the Rangers chairman, confirmed yesterday that Dick Advocaat, at present with PSV Eindhoven, will succeed Walter Smith as manager on July 1st. It is understood that, because of a "getout" clause in Advocaat's contract with the Dutch club, which was not due to expire until the summer of 1999, Murray will not even have to pay compensation.
Advocaat himself confirmed his appointment, ending weeks of expectation in Glasgow. The Dutchman's appointment has been Scottish football's worst-kept secret.
Advocaat, 50, is a close friend of the Celtic coach Wim Jansen, who tried to lure Advocaat to Feyernoord, where he was technical director, in 1990. But Advocaat became assistant to Rinus Michels with the national side at Italia '90.
Four years later Advocaat led Holland to the World Cup quarter-finals in America. He took PSV to the league championship last season but the 1-1 draw with the leaders Ajax on Saturday leaves them with virtually no chance of retaining the title.
He said: "I discussed the way ahead for Rangers with David Murray on several occasions. I have a very clear vision of the direction in which I want to take the club. My contract with PSV enables me to leave at the beginning of July and I've decided to utilise this special clause."
Murray said he had spoken to several candidates in recent weeks and that "it soon became clear that Dick was the first choice. He was the only man offered the job".
