Barry Ferguson to ‘want full-time Rangers managers job’ amid takeover
Rangers have had an entertaining early spell under Barry Ferguson so far, with a collective 13 goals across his three games in charge.
This included a sensational 3-1 win away at Fenerbahce as Rangers put themselves in the driving seat for the Europa League quarter-finals.
Ferguson’s men could have scored more and also defended resolutely as they kept out Jose Mourinho’s side, ahead of next Thursday’s second leg at Ibrox (13 March).
Ferguson ‘must get’ Rangers job after summer with European win
Ferguson has to be offered the Rangers job on a long-term basis after the summer by the board if he wins the Europa League, according to Scott Minto.
Minto and Troy Deeney discussed the situation at Rangers live on talkSPORT (7 March, 10:41), with Deeney claiming the “intensity” has changed overnight compared to Philippe Clement’s reign, which came to a sorry end after the defeat to St Mirren on 22 February.
Regardless of Gers’ league form, Minto believes Ferguson and his staff, all of a heavy Ibrox background, deserve to be part of a long-term project should they pull off an incredible European triumph.
Ferguson has reportedly upped the demand in Rangers training at Auchenhowie in an attempt to stamp down a marker.
“The intensity they’re working at under Ferguson is completely different to what they were doing under Clement,” Deeney said.
“You’ve got people in there now that the fans can buy into, and the players know there’s no hiding.
“Rangers as a club now… they look to have new ownership coming in and Ferguson could be thinking this is a job he wants and can grow again with the club.”
“If he wins the Europa League, they have to give him the job,” Minto reinforced.
Mourinho comments set up tantalising Ibrox second leg
Mourinho has been quick to wryly play down Rangers’ celebrations after overcoming his side in Istanbul, claiming it is far from over.
The illustrious Fenerbahce manager insisted during his post-match press conference (Sky Sports, 6 March) that the 3-1 deficit is a “good result” in the first leg, given the openness of his side on the break to Rangers.
This was particularly typified by Cyriel Dessers’ pair of offside goals that were each chalked off after lengthy VAR checks.
| Date | Barry Ferguson – Rangers manager | Result |
| 26 February | Kilmarnock (A) | W 4-2 |
| 1 March | Motherwell (H) | L 1-2 |
| 6 March | Fenerbahce (A) | W 3-1 |
Fener created chances on the night but were thwarted by a deep block from Ferguson’s Rangers, culminating in Jack Butland making numerous saves and the defence making an array of last-ditch blocks.
Both sides have the full lead-up to Thursday to prepare for phase two of the tie, without a domestic game this weekend. Ibrox will be a furnace next week.