MARTIN Bain has been named chief executive at Rangers.

A director since 2001, Bain was previously director of football business and most recently he oversaw the amalgamation of all operational and commercial income generating aspects of the club.

He joined Rangers in 1996, later becoming commercial manager and brokering many of the club's commercial interests, including deals with ntl and Carling.

David Murray, chairman, said: "In his most recent role as director of football business, Martin has driven a number of large deals to successful conclusions and in so doing he has demonstrated his strong commercial pedigree. I am looking forward to continuing working closely with him to develop the club towards further success."

Bain said: "Naturally, I am delighted to be appointed to such a prestigious role within Rangers. It is a great honour to be recognised in this way and I will continue to work with the chairman, manager and senior management team to develop the business . " He added: "The club is on an improved financial footing at present and I am looking forward with confidence to playing my part in the exciting opportunities that undoubtedly lie ahead of us."

Bain's rise at Ibrox has been swift and sure. His marketing and business talents have been appreciated by Murray who sees a kindred spirit in Bain's ability to work long hours and tackle new areas of business.

Bain was educated at Glasgow Academy and at Glasgow University. He was, like Murray, a rugby man before coming to Ibrox. Bain's previous business experience includes running a small publishing business, before going into public relations.

It was while managing the McEwan's lager account, who at that time sponsored the Rangers strips, that he came into contact with Murray, who asked him to come on board.

He is ideally suited to the Rangers job and not just because of his business experience.

His father and his grandfather were both Rangers supporters, so he understands the ethos of the old fans and their undimmed love for the club.

Bain has adapted well to the peculiar challenges of football, particularly in dealing in the transfer market and with the agents who make that area of the business a difficult and time-consuming task.

However, he shares with Murray a deep desire to develop Rangers as a more powerful force not only in European but world football. It is a task he will approach with relish.