Barry Ferguson ignores Rangers staff ahead of win v Celtic
Barry Ferguson did all it took to taste victory in his first Old Firm clash as Rangers left Parkhead with a 3-2 victory on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande and Hamza Igamane were enough for all three points, with away fans returning with a bang.
Although it will not affect the destination of the Scottish Premiership, it was a great result and could increase his chances of securing the role permanently after he guided the Light Blues to the Europa League quarter-finals earlier in the week.
Ferguson risks the wrath of Rangers staff with decisions v Celtic
Rangers’ victory on penalties against Fenerbahce was historic, and Ferguson could have been forgiven for dropping several stars for the encounter with their Glasgow rivals.
However, he decided to start four players despite the club’s sports scientists advising him that they were in the “red zone”, something Philippe Clement regularly mentioned.
The Daily Record reports in its print edition (19 March, page 46) that Ferguson was told that Leon Balogun, Dujon Sterling, Vaclav Cerny and Mohamed Diomande were fitness risks, but the interim boss ignored the warnings.
Rangers gamble pays off for Ferguson
Ferguson’s gamble to go against the advice of his medical staff ultimately paid off as his side secured a momentous victory.
It will do little to breach the domestic gap to Brendan Rodgers’ side, which still stands at 13 points with just eight matches left to play, but it will give them momentum going forward.
| Stats | Ferguson |
| Matches | 5 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Losses | 2 |
It will also give the Light Blues confidence heading into tough Europa League encounters with Bilbao and potentially bigger teams if they make it past the Spanish outfit.
The past week has enhanced Ferguson’s chances of securing the permanent role, with two huge victories that shone a light on his tactical nous.
If the Gers keep winning under his leadership, surely the 49ers Enterprises will have no alternative but to hire him once their takeover is completed.
He may not have much experience as a manager at the top level, but he has outfoxed both Rodgers and Jose Mourinho within days, and the passion he brings to the dugout is a welcome change from the miserable reign of Clement.