Barry Ferguson to seal ‘sensational’ Ibrox return as Rangers call revealed
Barry Ferguson is set to seal a ‘sensational’ return to Ibrox with Rangers lining him up as the replacement for Philippe Clement.
Rangers announced the sacking of Clement on Sunday (23 February) evening after it emerged that the board met to discuss the manager’s future in the aftermath of the 2-0 defeat against St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday (22 February).
However, the Glasgow giants confirmed the news in just 51 words without shedding light on how they intend to replace the Belgian tactician, although multiple journalists and outlets reported the possibility of hiring a caretaker manager.
Neil McCann and Kevin Thomson have been mooted as options to take the reins at Ibrox, but Ferguson already appears to be the chosen one.
Ferguson favourite to replace Clement
Ferguson is the favourite to replace Clement in the hot seat at Rangers, according to the Record.
The newspaper reported via their live blog on Sunday (23 February, 9:29 pm) that the Ibrox icon is set for a ‘sensational’ return to Govan.
He is tipped to ‘answer the call’ and take charge of his former employers until the end of the season.
Ferguson’s last managerial stint came with Alloa Athletic in the 2021-22 season, with the ex-captain previously leading Kelty Hearts to the SPFL for the first time in their history.
The 47-year-old also had a spell at Clyde, while he made his first steps in coaching as Blackpool’s caretaker in 2014.
Rangers to hold off permanent manager appointment
It emerged last week that 49ers Enterprises, the investments arm of the San Francisco 49ers, are in advanced talks over a takeover at Ibrox.
Patrick Stewart had also insisted that Rangers would back Clement and it seemed that the 50-year-old would remain in Glasgow until the takeover was finalised or the end of the season.
| Competition | Rangers |
| Scottish Premiership | Second (13 points behind Celtic after 27 games) |
| UEFA Europa League | Round of 16 (Face Fenerbahce in March) |
| Scottish Cup | Knocked out by Queen’s Park in fifth round |
| Scottish League Cup | Lost on penalties v Celtic in final |
However, the decision-makers have been left with no choice but to pull the plug on the former Monaco boss after the 2-0 defeat against St. Mirren.
Rangers, though, are seemingly prepared to hold off on the appointment of a permanent manager until the takeover goes through and that is perhaps why they are prepared to assign Ferguson to hold the fort until the end of the season.