Rangers turn to former captain to steady ship after managerial exit | OneFootball

Barry Ferguson Appointed Rangers Head Coach Until End of Season

Ferguson Takes Charge at Rangers in Interim Role

Rangers have confirmed Barry Ferguson as their head coach until the end of the season, following the departure of Philippe Clement. Ferguson, a club legend, will be supported by Neil McCann, Billy Dodds, and former goalkeeper Allan McGregor in the dugout.

Photo IMAGO

The managerial shake-up comes in the wake of Rangers’ disappointing 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren, which left them trailing Celtic by 13 points in the Scottish Premiership. Ferguson’s first challenge as head coach will be steering the team through a crucial fixture against Kilmarnock on Wednesday evening.

Chief Executive Patrick Stewart has made it clear that Ferguson’s appointment is temporary, with a permanent successor set to be named in the coming months. However, he also stressed that Rangers’ issues extend beyond the managerial role, hinting at deeper structural concerns at the club.

Photo IMAGO

Stewart Underlines Deeper Issues at Ibrox

Following Clement’s sacking, Stewart reinforced the club’s commitment to an “ongoing football review” designed to address Rangers’ wider problems. The timing of the Belgian’s departure was significant, coming just days after a Scottish Cup exit at the hands of second-tier Queen’s Park and back-to-back league defeats at Ibrox.

“When I spoke to RangersTV last week, I was clear that everyone is judged on results and nobody will get unlimited time in any role at the club,” Stewart stated. “Ultimately, the team’s response following their early exit from the Scottish Cup was a cause for deep concern, leading the board to conclude that action had to be taken now.”

Stewart thanked Clement for his efforts, describing him as “a fine man,” but acknowledged that the decision to move on was necessary.

Experience in the Dugout to Steady the Ship

Ferguson’s appointment ensures a wealth of experience within the coaching setup. The former Rangers captain, who won five league titles and 15 trophies with the club, has previously managed Clyde, Kelty Hearts, and Alloa Athletic.

Photo IMAGO

McCann, another Ibrox stalwart, was an influential part of two domestic trebles and later managed Dundee and Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Dodds, a former Rangers forward, previously worked as Ross County’s assistant and later took charge of Inverness.

Photo IMAGO

Meanwhile, McGregor, who left Rangers as a player in 2023, returns to offer his insights, bringing the experience of 13 domestic medals and 42 Scotland caps. The quartet have all been involved in punditry in recent years but will now attempt to stabilise Rangers’ season in the remaining months.

Photo IMAGO

Crucial Period Ahead for Rangers

Ferguson’s immediate focus will be guiding Rangers through a packed schedule. After facing Kilmarnock, the team hosts Motherwell at Ibrox on Saturday before embarking on a demanding run that includes both legs of a Europa League last-16 tie against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, as well as an Old Firm showdown against Celtic before the March international break.

While securing silverware remains a distant hope, Ferguson’s remit will be to inject a renewed sense of direction into a squad that has struggled for consistency. The looming takeover talks involving the investment wing of the San Francisco 49ers add another layer of uncertainty to Rangers’ future.

For now, the focus is on damage control, with Ferguson tasked with restoring pride and stability at Ibrox.