Barry Ferguson job update shared hours before Rangers v Fenerbahce – Exclusive
Barry Ferguson was set the task of steadying the ship upon taking over as Rangers manager last month, but he could yet stay on beyond this campaign.
The Gers favourite was a surprise appointment on the face of it following the sacking of Philippe Clement at Ibrox.
Ferguson has managed just three clubs permanently in his career – Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa Athletic – the most recent of those ending in February 2022.
While many expect Ferguson to just be a stop-gap until a permanent appointment is made, with Jose Mourinho among those touted for the Rangers job, brother Derek Ferguson has shared the inside stance.
Barry Ferguson wants to stay on as Rangers manager
Ferguson has won two and lost one of his three matches in caretaker charge so far, with the 3-1 win away at Fenerbahce last week the clear standout result.
The former midfielder certainly did his chances of landing the job full-time no harm with that result, coming off the back of a disappointing defeat to Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.
And Derek Ferguson has exclusively told Ibrox News his younger brother would love to stay in charge beyond this summer, but accepts that will depend entirely on results.
“He was already there in an ambassador role so he knows the ins and outs at the club,” Derek said. “It was a case of him getting the right people beside him.
“Neil McCann and Billy Dodds are good appointments as well. He looks comfortable in the job, especially when dealing with the press. He looks the part and I think it’s a no-brainer for him to take it.
“The way that will happen is by getting results. The result against Fenerbahce was marvellous, brilliant. But you’ve got to remember that has been the case for Rangers this season – they’ve been excellent in Europe.
“What Barry’s got to do from now until the summer is win every game. If he does that he’ll get the job. That means beating Celtic at Celtic Park, which is a big ask.
“But on the basis of the Fenerbahce performance, the players are capable of that. I’m not surprised he wants to job full-time.“
| Club | Period | Win percentage |
| Clyde | June 2014 – February 2017 | 38.3 |
| Kelty Hearts | October 2018 – May 2021 | 65.7 |
| Alloa Athletic | May 2021 – February 2022 | 27.3 |
| Rangers | February 2024 – Current | 66.7 |
Ferguson added: “I said to him, and this is going back a bit, I couldn’t fathom why he worked with part-time clubs in Scotland.
“The Clyde one was fair enough, getting your foot through the door, but some of the full-time teams in Scotland were willing to take Barry on but for whatever reason he didn’t want to go down that route.
“This is a different kettle of fish now. I took him to Rangers as a boy. The club is ingrained in him. There’s only one conclusion: He wants the job but will need to win games.”
Rangers face huge showdown with Fenerbahce
Ferguson has another huge night ahead of him on Thursday (13 March) as the Gers take on Fenerbahce at Ibrox for the return leg of their last-16 tie.
Rangers may hold a two-goal advantage, but nothing can be taken for granted against Jose Mourinho’s side.
It goes without saying that if Ferguson takes Rangers all the way in this season’s Europa League, the job will be his.
One game at a time will be the message, though, and all focus right now is simply on seeing the job through against Fenerbahce.