Rangers FC is facing yet another transitional phase as they officially parted ways with manager Philippe Clement following their disheartening 2-0 defeat to St Mirren last Sunday. The loss, which left the team languishing 13 points behind their fierce rivals, Celtic, has prompted the appointment of club legend Barry Ferguson as interim manager.
Clement’s departure follows months of mounting pressure after consecutive poor performances, including earlier setbacks, like their unexpected Scottish Cup elimination at the hands of Queen's Park. Fans had been voicing their concerns, and the defeat to St Mirren served as the final straw for the club's management. Ferguson, previously revered as Rangers captain, was announced as interim head coach and will lead the squad until the end of the season.
Bookmakers are pivoting on Ferguson, currently the favorite at 2/9 to take over permanently. He has indicated his enthusiasm for this unexpected opportunity, stating, “It’s only for three months... it’s my job to get a kick out of this group of players.” Ferguson, who has previously led Alloa Athletic, acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting, “I am here until the end of the season, but my main objective is to start winning games on a consistent basis.”
While Ferguson is currently at the helm, speculation swirls around who will become the club's permanent manager. A significant name drawn back to the limelight is Steven Gerrard, who historically brought significant success during his tenure at Ibrox, leading Rangers to their first league title win in over ten years during the 2020/21 season. Although he has not officially expressed interest, his name has surfaced alongside Ferguson’s, offering fans mixed sentiments about his potential return.
Mark Hateley, a former Rangers striker, expressed his views about Gerrard’s prospects, stating, “I would welcome Gerrard's return to the Ibrox dugout 'in a heartbeat.'” This sentiment could resonate with many fans who still regard Gerrard highly for his past contribution to the club. Conversely, former manager Graeme Souness exhibited some skepticism about Gerrard’s likely return, remarking on the possible mixed feelings among supporters after his departure for Aston Villa. “I'm not sure they would be happy with him going back,” he noted, reflecting on the complexity of fan loyalty and the intricacies of football management.
Other contenders for the managerial role include David Wagner, previously at Huddersfield Town, and Ashley Cole, who has emerged as a potential candidate, showcasing the spectrum of possibilities being deliberated by the club's hierarchy. Ferguson prepares to navigate these swirling rumors and build momentum with the team as they follow his lead, but he knows he has to work diligently to uplift the mood within the squad.
The current atmosphere within the Rangers team has not gone unnoticed. Ally McCoist, another former Rangers results-driven figure, raises alarms about the squad's condition, stating, “The players right now, Europe aside, they look damaged... they look all over the place particularly in the last two home games.” His observations bring to light concerns about team morale and the tactical direction needed to revitalize their campaign.
The managerial and squad upheaval coincides with discussions of a significant investment from 49ers Enterprises, which is speculated to bring about fundamental changes within the club. Simon Jordan commented on the potential ramifications of this move, indicating the important balance to strike between fan expectations, managerial appointments, and financial stability. He remarked, “I think Rangers are going to continue to be confined within the confines of the Scottish Premiership,” reflecting the limitations they face even with new ownership.
With the search for stability intensifying, the upcoming weeks promise to be pivotal for Rangers FC as they attempt to consolidate their leadership and reinvigorate their playing squad. A successful interim period under Barry Ferguson could significantly influence the club's decision moving forward, especially as the search for their permanent manager continues to evolve amid rising speculations.
Overall, the road ahead for Rangers appears uncertain yet dynamic, as key decisions loom on both managerial leadership and the long-term vision for the club’s future. Ferguson’s interim stewardship may provide the initial spark needed to reshape the team’s fortunes or possibly open the door for Gerrard's return, making for intriguing narratives within the Scottish football scene.