The Rangers football club is currently engulfed in turmoil following the abrupt dismissal of manager Philippe Clement, which has sent ripples of speculation concerning the potential return of former captain Steven Gerrard. The recent 2-0 defeat to St Mirren left the team trailing by 13 points behind their fierce rivals Celtic, culminating in Clement's sacking after continued poor performances.
Clement's departure marks the fifth managerial change for the club within three years, reflecting the persistent instability at Ibrox. The pressure on Clement had been mounting, especially after a shocking early exit from the Scottish Cup against Queen’s Park. Barry Ferguson, the former club captain, was quickly promoted to interim coach. His initial comments reflect optimism about his role, saying, “It’s my job to get a kick out of this group of players because, when I watched them, I think they are really good players.”
Meanwhile, speculation is rife surrounding Gerrard, who led Rangers to their first league title in over ten years during his previous tenure. Despite being the bookmakers' favorite for the job, questions remain about whether Gerrard would even be interested in returning to Ibrox. Graeme Souness shared his doubts, claiming, “I don’t see him going to Glasgow Rangers. Would the supporters be happy with him going back? I’m not sure. They think he left them at a difficult time.”
This sentiment reflects the divided opinions among the fans and commentators alike. Ally McCoist, another Rangers legend, provided a contrasting perspective, asserting, “It wouldn’t surprise me if Steven Gerrard came back to Ibrox. He’s obviously held in really high regard by the supporters because of the league title he won.” McCoist pointed out the significance of Gerrard's next managerial decision, stating it will be pivotal for his career moving forward.
Some fans seem eager for Gerrard’s return, viewing him as the figure who could restore stability and competitive spirit to the club. His impressive record at Rangers is still fresh in the minds of supporters, providing hope for what might come next should he decide to accept the managerial role again.
While Ferguson adjusts to his new responsibilities, he faces the colossal task of lifting player morale within just weeks. McCoist remarked on the current squad's condition, describing them as “damaged” and calling attention to the lack of leadership on the pitch. He elaborated, “The players right now, Europe aside, they look damaged, they look low on confidence.” This frank assessment highlights the challenges Ferguson will need to address swiftly to turn the club's fortunes around.
Ferguson, who has not held managerial responsibility since overseeing Alloa Athletic until February 2022, acknowledges the incredible opportunity before him. His enthusiasm shines through when he mentions he could not refuse the offer to lead the team, as he has made significant contributions to the club over the years. “I am here until the end of the season, but my main objective is to start winning games on a consistent basis,” he stated, showcasing his commitment to the club’s goals.
Adding to the pressure on Ferguson will be the looming Europa League fixtures, which may represent Rangers' last chance for silverware this season. Experts and fans alike ponder if Ferguson can provide immediate revitalization, but McCoist is cautious, signaling the difficulty of the task at hand, remarking, “A leopard doesn’t really change its spots.” His comments reflect the unpredictability of player reactions to new coaching styles, and he notes the necessity for significant changes to transform the team’s performance.
Reflectively, the situation at Rangers denies clear pathways for the future. The mixed emotions encapsulated by Souness and McCoist highlight differing sentiments within and outside the club. With Ferguson needing time to instill his vision and Gerrard's potential return hovering as both exciting and uncertain, the coming weeks will be crucible moments for Rangers Football Club.
The future remains shrouded in uncertainty as fans await to see how the club navigates this crisis, whether through Ferguson’s interim stewardship or Gerrard's potential return. Rangers' quest for regaining their former glory may very well hinge on these significant decisions at this pivotal junction.