Kenny McDowall admits he was surprised to see news of his Rangers resignation leaked - after claiming the club's board told him it would remain confidential.

The Ibrox caretaker handed in his 12-month notice last Thursday as he decided he had had enough after just three games in charge.

But the 51-year-old had not even informed his players that he was now working out the final days of his Gers reign when the news was leaked to the media.

McDowall claims the situation was supposed to be kept private after talks with chief executive Derek Llambias - but was then shocked to see headlines announcing his departure appear on television.

Asked if his decision was supposed to remain confidential, the former St Mirren striker said: "Yeah. I tendered my resignation on the Thursday after deciding the day before I was going to do it.

"But it came out on TV, so the players saw it before I could get to them. I just had to tell them as it was and ask that they keep working hard.

"Was I surprised when it came out? Yeah.

"I was working my notice so (it was supposed it to remain in-house) for 12 months."

McDowall insists it was an "honour" to manage the Ibrox side, even on an interim basis - but admits he needs a break from life at the Old Firm.

The former Celtic youth coach looked uneasy in the top job since being asked to take the team by the board last month.

And he admits he needs time to clear his head following eight turbulent years at Ibrox, which started when Walter Smith lured him from Parkhead to become first-team coach and then saw the club brought to its knees by the 2012 liquidation crisis.

McDowall - who helped Gers win three successive titles before they were banished to the lower leagues - said: "It wasn't an easy decision. It was one I discussed with the family and I just decided I was more than happy to honour my contract and work my 12 months.

"But the last four years have been tough. Everybody is aware of that. It was time to step aside.

"The off-field matters have been there for the last three or four years. Absolutely they take a toll on you. I won't deny that.

"I've been nearly 18 years at the Old Firm. That's quite a long time and it does take its toll on you. I will have a break probably, but we will see.

"Walter Smith brought me here as coach eight years ago as first-team coach. Now I'm sitting here as caretaker manager wondering where everybody has went.

"It's just a bit strange. I've tried to handle it as best I can. Nevertheless it's been a fantastic experience.

"This is a massive job and it's an absolute honour to be sitting here as caretaker. That's what made it such a difficult decision.

"To put my notice in wasn't easy but I just feel it was right for me and my family.

Ally McCoist's former assistant has endured a roller-coaster existence in his short time in the Light Blues hot-seat.

He was given the job when McCoist was put on garden leave five weeks ago and his first game ended in a 4-0 thrashing by Hibernian - the Leith side's biggest win since 1912.

They then beat Dumbarton 3-1 before edging past Alloa with a 1-0 success but saw last Friday's crucial Scottish Championship clash with leaders Hearts abandoned as snow made the Ibrox pitch unplayable.

But he insists he has no regrets about staying on when the McCoist resigned last month: "No I think it was my duty. I didn't know Ally was going to resign. I was under contract and the players needed someone to take them through the week and on a Saturday. I felt that was my duty."

But McDowall - who will be in charge for Saturday's trip to Cowdenbeath - admits he is not sure of the board will follow the route they took with McCoist and axe him from the dug-out before his notice period ends.

"I have said I will honour my contract but I don't think that's really a question for me," he said. "I am here and I can only do my job until told otherwise."

Kenny McDowall insists Steve Simonsen will remain Rangers' number one despite the goalkeeper facing a Scottish Football Association gambling charge.

Simonsen has been issued with a notice of complaint which alleges he has placed bets on 55 matches over the past 12 months.

SFA disciplinary rule 33 prohibits players, coaches, club officials and referees in Scotland from betting on football anywhere in the world.

But Gers caretaker boss McDowall insists the Englishman is innocent until found guilty and plans to pick him for Saturday's Scottish Championship clash with Cowdenbeath.

He said: "I will need to wait and see what the hearing comes up with, but he's not guilty as of yet."

Asked if he would be available for selection, McDowall added: "Absolutely."

The governing body's first charge states that the former Everton and Dundee stopper placed 18 bets between January 15 and June 22 last year.

The second accuses the 35-year-old of gambling on 37 further matches between September 6 and January 13.

The SFA insists there is no suggestion Simonsen was involved in any of the matches he is accused of betting on.

A principal hearing has been set for Thursday, February 12. Simonsen has until Thursday, January 29, to respond to the complaint.

The governing body has taken a hard-line stance on gambling breaches in recent years.

In September 2013, Simonsen's Rangers team-mate Ian Black was handed a 10-game ban - seven of which were suspended - and a £7,500 fine after admitted to placing 160 football bets over a seven-year period.

Three of the matches involved bets placed against the clubs he was playing for at the time - two while playing for Hearts and one while with Rangers.

But McDowall insists Rangers do not have a problem with players betting.

"I wouldn't say there is a problem with gambling at the club," he said. "The case with Steve was a surprise to me.

"I wouldn't want to comment until the hearing has been held.

"But I think there has been enough notice now (of the rules) for everybody to take heed that you are not allowed to gamble. It's as plain as that.

"I think (it was made clear after the Ian Black situation) and there has been a couple of boys in England as well. It's not just this club."

And Gers defender Darren McGregor admits the rules are clear.

Asked if he knew exactly what players could and could not have a flutter on, he said: "You're not supposed to gamble on football matches. To be honest I don't gamble.

"I've not had much guidance on the rules to be honest but I've just taken it that you can't gamble. I've never gambled so for me, it's not been at the forefront of my mind. Maybe I've not paid attention to it because it's not been an issue for me."

Responding to the charge, a spokeswoman for Rangers said: "The club is aware of the SFA's notice of complaint and are currently investigating the matter."