Barry Ferguson ‘permanent’ Rangers job speculated at Ibrox
Rangers’ 2-1 defeat against Motherwell on Saturday has already sparked conversation over Barry Ferguson’s long-term future at Ibrox.
A Cyriel Dessers goal was not enough to bring the Light Blues back from 2-0 down against Motherwell on Saturday (1 March) and supporters were subjected to more disappointment.
That means interim boss Ferguson has won one and lost one of his two games in charge now and the jury is still out.
Europa League vital for Ferguson at Rangers
It certainly felt as though Philippe Clement’s sacking at Rangers was a long time coming after a disappointing campaign on almost all fronts this season.
However, the appointment of Ferguson on an interim basis until the end of the season suggests that there was a lack of succession planning by the Gers hierarchy and they weren’t necessarily planning on getting rid of the boss.
That now means that the Light Blues are facing their Europa League cup games under the management of Ferguson who, despite having great experience as a player, lacks this at a management level.
With European football the only thing left to play for on Rangers’ radar though, it certainly puts a lot more pressure on the side and could affect the long-term future of Ferguson at Ibrox.
Writing in The Daily Record (2 March), Hugh Keevins suggested that regardless of the result against Fenerbahce, the future in Glasgow will look no clearer as he wrote: “Thursday night in Turkey will only be Ferguson’s third match in charge of a full-time team, having cut his managerial teeth in part-time surroundings at Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa Athletic.
“But he will nevertheless be expected to become a serious man for serious times. And if he succeeds in getting a win, or even a draw, against Mourinho’s team, his credibility will go through the roof. And yet it might not be enough to guarantee Ferguson a job at Ibrox on a permanent basis because Rangers are currently a club in a state of suspended animation.”
Rangers cannot appoint Ferguson on a permanent basis
You can understand the decision to turn to Ferguson at a time of need after Clement’s sacking given he is someone who knows the club well and is well aware of what the expected standards are at Ibrox.
However, regardless of his results going forward, you can’t help but feel that if Rangers want to be taken seriously as a top team again, they have to appoint a manager with the necessary experience to push them to be their very best.
| Clyde | 38.3% |
| Kelty Hearts | 65.7% |
| Alloa Athletic | 27.3% |
Getting a result against Fenerbahce is a tall order but it is one that the club needs to try and meet to have anything left to play for.
However, if Ferguson was to achieve this it should be credited and will no doubt write his name in history at Ibrox for a reason but it does not mean that he is the permanent solution.
As Keevins points out, there is mass uncertainty at Rangers currently especially given talks of a takeover by the 49ers Enterprises which could change expectations at the club massively.
For now, Ferguson needs to focus on each game and getting his side closer to where they should be. What comes next will have to be seen.