Rangers Football Club has appointed former captain Barry Ferguson as their interim manager until the end of the season, following the recent departure of manager Philippe Clement. This decision, announced on February 24, 2025, positions Ferguson, who is 47 years old and hails from Hamilton, Scotland, to lead the team during these challenging times.
Clement was dismissed after Rangers suffered a disheartening 2-0 defeat at home to St Mirren, leaving them 13 points behind their rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. This defeat was part of a disheartening run of form, prompting concerns about the team’s performance and the management’s ability to drive improvements. Patrick Stewart, the club’s CEO, stated, “Philippe and his team have worked tirelessly during their time at the club and have played an important role in developing the first team’s young players. I want to reiterate, the issues we are facing run deep than the manager.”
Ferguson steps back onto the Ibrox turf he once graced as one of the club’s most decorated players, where he made over 400 appearances, scoring 57 goals and securing 15 major honors, including five Scottish Premier League titles. He replaces Clement amid Rangers’ broader efforts to address persistent footballing issues through an internal review, underscoring the urgency of the changes needed to restore the team’s competitive edge.
Stewart emphasized the club's recognition of the underlying challenges, noting, “When I spoke to RangersTV last week, I was clear everyone is judged on results... leading the board to conclude action had to be taken now.” The appointment of Ferguson is seen as part of the board's strategy to instill urgency and accountability within the team. He is joined by fellow Rangers alumni Neil McCann, Billy Dodds, and Allan McGregor as assistant managers, alongside Issame Charai, who acted as Clement's assistant. These appointments aim to leverage their past experience and deep-rooted knowledge of the club to guide the team through its current difficulties.
“I want to wish Philippe every success in the future. He is a fine man whom I have enjoyed working with... I also want to welcome Barry back to the club. We appreciate him and his team stepping up at this difficult time,” added Stewart, highlighting the importance of the club's heritage and the supportive role the leadership aims to play.
Ferguson's first match as manager will occur on February 26, 2025, against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. This match marks not only his return to the managerial side of football, having previously had stints at Clyde, Kelty Hearts, and Alloa Athletic, but also serves as a pivotal moment to assess how the team's dynamics may shift under his leadership. Ferguson’s experience, particularly as he took on interim roles previously, is expected to bring much-needed stability.
Both McCann and Dodds have enjoyed their managerial experiences elsewhere, with McCann briefly taking charge of Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dodds having managed Ross County. Their return to Rangers heralds the intention to infuse the team with fresh perspectives, as they hold extensive experience within the Scottish football system.
The upcoming matches present immediate tests for Ferguson and his team. Following the fixture against Kilmarnock, Rangers will face Motherwell, along with challenging Europa League clashes against Fenerbahce, and then the significant Old Firm derby against Celtic. The next few weeks will prove whether Ferguson’s appointment can invigorate the squad and stir the fanbase to rally behind the club during trying times.
Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd commented on Ferguson’s leadership qualities, saying, “One thing Barry had as captain is leadership, and I think that's something the football club needs right now. Someone to connect with the fans and guide the players through the hard times.” Boyd’s insights shine light on the challenges Ferguson faces not just on the pitch but also within the broader emotional scope of club management, where connecting with supporters and restoring confidence is often as significant as tactical changes.
Rangers’ current predicament serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of football management. With Ferguson now at the helm, fans and club executives alike await the forthcoming matches with bated breath, hopeful for signs of resurgence following the managerial change. The responsibility falls squarely on Ferguson and his team to reignite the passion and performance synonymous with the illustrious history of Rangers FC.