Rangers news round-up: Sean Dyche move mooted, Ferguson makes Tavernier decision
Rangers have undergone a major change in recent days after Philippe Clement was sacked after the defeat against St Mirren.
The Gers’ board pulled the sack trigger after the Gers fell to yet another frustrating home loss just two weeks after humiliation at the hands of Queen’s Park.
Given that there is little to play for after being dumped out of the Scottish Cup, other than the Europa League, the Ibrox hierarchy have opted to hire an interim in the shape of Barry Ferguson.
After what has been an interesting few days in G51, supporters will be keen to see what changes are made in the coming weeks.
Here, Ibrox News rounds up the latest news from Govan on 25 February.
Rangers conditions for long-term Ferguson contract shared
The 47-year-old came through the academy at Ibrox before featuring for the Gers for over 10 years across two spells between 1997 and 2009.
As a result, there is no doubt that the former midfielder knows exactly what sort of job he has on his hands after coming in as a replacement for Clement.
Right now, Ferguson is on a contract until the end of the campaign but Peter Martin has suggested that this could change, in what would be a “dream” for the ex-Scotland international.
Writing in a column on the PLZ Soccer website (25 February), he said: “My gut feeling is he will manage to get some kind of spark out of them in the short term, but whether that ignites a desire from fans, current board and possibly a new board to hire him long-term remains to be seen.
“The biggest problem Barry will have in the short-term is a Celtic team cantering towards a title and possible treble.
“That is a sight that hurts Rangers fans and they do not want to see their side go down with a whimper in the remaining games against their great rivals.
“If Barry can lay down a marker in any of those games and maybe one special night in Europe, maybe, just maybe, the dream can continue beyond the summer.”
Derek McInnes could become next Rangers manager
Ally McCoist believes the current Kilmarnock boss will be under consideration for the managerial role at Ibrox in the summer.
The Gers icon believes the 53-year-old boss deserves to be in the running to become the next head coach in Govan after the work he’s done in Ayrshire.
Speaking on talkSPORT (25 February, 6:44), the Scotsman said: “[McInnes] is a fine manager, an absolutely fine manager. Nothing but total respect for him, and he has done a great job wherever he has been. If it had not been just for 15 games, I think he would have come into consideration.
“But you never know if, at the end of the 15 games, I think Derek’s name would still get mentioned for the job. I don’t think there’s any doubt because he deserves to be talked about. He absolutely deserves to be spoken about.”
James Tavernier to remain as Rangers captain
The 33-year-old has come under pressure in Govan this campaign and was dropped for Dujon Sterling at times earlier on in the season.
Later in Clement’s reign, the Light Blues skipper came back into the side regularly and looks to keep his place despite the managerial change at Ibrox.
New interim boss, Ferguson has complete faith in the Englishman who he looks set to put his trust in until the end of the campaign.
| Stat | James Tavernier (2024/25) |
| Appearances | 22 |
| Goal involvements | 8 |
| Chances created | 50 |
| Tackles won | 34 |
| Recoveries | 101 |
Speaking to the media via Joshua Barrie on X (25 February), the Scotsman said: “I don’t feel the need to change that. He came in last night and we had a really good chat. I’ve looked him in the eyes, he’s ready to give 100 per cent.”
Sean Dyche emerges as Rangers manager candidate after Everton sack
If the proposed takeover of the Ibrox club by the 49ers Enterprises goes through before the end of the campaign, there will be more money in the kitty to spend on a new head coach.
For now, the Light Blues are going to play under Ferguson and will consider new options ahead of the summer.
Calum Crowe discussed the potential of bringing Dyche in as the new manager to replace Clement in the Scottish Daily Mail (25 February, page 71).
Writing about potential favourites for the job, Crowe mentioned the ex-Everton boss, saying: “Sacked by Everton last month after a difficult spell on Merseyside which had consistently seen the club fighting against relegation.
“But Dyche did an excellent job across several years at Burnley and certainly has the strength of character and personality to go into a club like Rangers and do well.”