Dan Godfrey

Sat 1 March 2025 7:10, UK

Rangers have endured a turbulent week, though not something they have not become used to.

The rollercoaster contest at Kilmarnock on Wednesday night was for Rangers fans just part of it, the eventual 4-2 win handing Barry Ferguson a positive outcome to his first game in charge.

But the appointment of Ferguson to replace Philippe Clement – for whom a sacking was only a matter of time – has surprised some as the Gers look for a strong end to a disappointing campaign.

Sutton shocked by Rangers board decision

Ferguson being offered the job by Rangers is a “major shock” according to Chris Sutton.

The former Celtic man, speaking to the Daily Record (28 February), has admitted he was stunned to see Patrick Stewart and the Gers board appoint Ferguson; less so to see the back of Clement.

Sutton did confess his admiration for former Ibrox captain Ferguson, who won 15 major trophies across two spells at the heart of the team’s midfield.

But the pundit – who was part of the Sky Sports commentary team on Wednesday evening (26 February) during that hectic opening night at Kilmarnock – also made a wry suggestion that Rangers had recruited Ferguson directly from his role as a newspaper columnist.

“It wasn’t a shock to see Rangers sacking Philippe Clement – even though Patrick Stewart had backed him just a few days earlier,” Sutton said.

“But it was a major shock to see the Ibrox chief executive drafting in Barry Ferguson as caretaker boss. It just made me wonder what kind of transfer fee Record Sport got for the move. Perhaps they couldn’t afford me.

“And after about 20 minutes at Rugby Park the other night I was expecting to see him back in the newspaper by the weekend. Fair play to Barry. He got a reaction from the players – eventually. The initial response looked like Rangers were going to be even worse.”

Ferguson returns to Govan for the first time as manager this Saturday (1 March), with Motherwell the visitors having this week ended a run of six straight defeats.

Ferguson has free hit – plus Fenerbahce

If ever there was a time for Ferguson to take the Rangers job, it would be now, when only so much of the club’s perceived project can be achieved.

All that is realistically left to play for is some degree of Europa League progress, and supporters have a right to dare to dream following their side’s escapades in the competition since the turn of the century, including two finals.

Ferguson has the matter of Motherwell to take care of first, and an opening record of two wins from two will settle a fair feeling of apprehension for the former skipper.

Thursday (6 March) is go time in Istanbul against Fenerbahce, where Ferguson’s third game as a manager at this level will pit him against Jose Mourinho – an individual who has won 21 major honours during his illustrious coaching career so far.

While Mourinho serves a highly-publicised four-match domestic ban in Turkiye, this does not apply to Europe and he will be in the dugout against Ferguson.

The second leg arrives seven days afterwards at Ibrox, with no weekend game in between which allows for full concentration. However, just three days after the last 16 tie is complete, a trip to Celtic Park beckons in the new boss’ inaugural Old Firm sporting a tie rather than the blue shirt.