Barry Ferguson, former Rangers captain and club legend, has been appointed the interim manager of Rangers FC until the end of the current season after the sacking of Philippe Clement. The 47-year-old takes over during a challenging time for the club following consecutive 2-0 defeats against St Mirren and Championship side Queens Park, sparking concerns over the team's performance.
Ferguson, who boasts five Scottish League titles, five Scottish Cups, and five League Cups from his time at Ibrox, steps back onto familiar ground alongside an all-star coaching team comprising former teammates Neil McCann, Billy Dodds, and Allan McGregor, with Assistant Manager Issame Charai also providing support. The new coaching team is set to begin their first match together this Wednesday against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
The decision to part ways with Clement came swiftly after Rangers' disappointing performance against St Mirren. Patrick Stewart, the club's Chief Executive, spoke about the need for immediate change, stating, "The issues we are facing run much deep than the manager. The team's response following their early exit from the Scottish Cup was deeply concerning, leading the board to conclude action had to be taken now."
Under Clement's management, which lasted 16 months, Rangers enjoyed some successes, including winning the League Cup; nevertheless, struggles persisted, with the team currently 13 points adrift of league leaders Celtic and facing the possibility of finishing the season without any trophies.
Despite the problems cementing Clement's exit, Stewart reiterated his admiration for him, calling him "a fine man" who played a pivotal role in developing the first team’s younger players. This point acknowledges the systemic challenges at Rangers, indicating the need for broader changes beyond just the head coach.
Following these significant managerial changes, the Rangers hierarchy remains focused on conducting an 'ongoing football review' to evaluate the club's structure and performance. They aim to find a permanent manager who can stabilize and lead the club moving forward after Ferguson's interim appointment.
Ferguson's return to management follows several years away from the coaching role after resigning from Alloa Athletic three years ago. His prior managing experience includes stints at Clyde, Kelty Hearts, and briefly at Alloa Athletic. Interestingly, Ferguson's last games with Alloa ended with heavy defeats, raising questions about his readiness for such a high-pressure position at Rangers.
"We appreciate him and his team stepping up during this difficult time," Stewart said, expressing belief and confidence in Ferguson's ability to inspire the current squad. The new coach is due to face immediate challenges with the upcoming matches, jostling for improvements and results to lift the spirits of the fans and players alike.
Supporters hope Ferguson can channel his extensive experience and emotional connection to the club to turn around what has been disappointing overall performance this season. Nonetheless, the path looks formidable, starting with the quick turnaround of games within just over a week as they face both Kilmarnock and Motherwell at Ibrox, followed by Europa League clashes against Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce.
Ferguson's ability to motivate the team will be tested alongside noted strategic game preparations. The coaching side will focus on finding solutions for issues seen endemic to the squad. Contributing to these potential turnarounds will be fellow coaching staff—McCann, Dodds, and McGregor—who each carry their own pedigree and history at Ibrox. The quartet's successful collaboration is seen as fundamental to steering the club through the turbulent waters of the remainder of the season.
Fans of the Glasgow club have started showing their support for Ferguson's interim role, citing his leadership and passion for Rangers as central to what the team needs at this current juncture of discontent. Ferguson's appointment can only be evaluated based on the immediate performance on the pitch, as fans genuinely hope for visible improvements.
The Rangers board indicated diligent efforts to search for a permanent successor who can stabilize club management. Some notable names are swirling around such as former boss Steven Gerrard, currently down the list of betting preferences but still very much tied to the club's legendary fabric. Others notable figures may include names like Sean Dyche or Derek McInnies who have noteworthy management backgrounds and knowledge of the Scottish league.
With the impending matches on the horizon, Rangers hope Ferguson's deep-rooted love for the club serves as both motivation and morale as they navigate through the rest of the season. The outcome of the coming weeks can very well shape the club's identity and future direction for years to come. Fans remain cautiously optimistic, hopeful for Ferguson's return to managerial form, and eagerly anticipating the adventure ahead.