Rangers round-up: James Tavernier exit twist emerges, Chris Jack drops update
Rangers are looking to end the season in a positive manner with Barry Ferguson in charge on an interim basis.
With the league title nearly a foregone conclusion and Gers being knocked out of domestic competitions, the Europa League is all there is to fight for come the end of the season.
There still remains plenty reported about the club and Ibrox News has prepared a round-up on 21 March.
David Templeton delivers verdict on Barry Ferguson becoming the next Rangers manager
David Templeton believes Barry Ferguson should be considered for the permanent managerial role due to his impressive showing since taking over as interim manager and his bold decisions, such as the impactful substitution of Hamza Igamane in the Old Firm Derby against Celtic.
He argues that under Philippe Clement, Rangers might not have won that match after Celtic equalised, but Ferguson’s changes turned the game in their favour.
| Competition (2024/25) | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Scottish Premiership | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Europa League | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Templeton suggests Ferguson’s performance, including in the upcoming Europa League tie, will be crucial in determining his suitability for the permanent position.
He told PLZ Soccer on 21 March at 46:49: “I think if he is going the way he is then they’ll have to (make Ferguson the permanent manager). Since he’s come in, they’ve looked a different side.
“Even that Celtic game, at two each, you’re thinking Celtic got the momentum, probably going to win. I think if it was under Clement, he probably doesn’t make the changes that Ferguson makes. He brings Igamane on.
“Making big decisions like that is only going to help him and it depends on how he does in the Europa League, but I think they’ve got a tough tie this one.”
James Tavernier may be part of the clearout at Ibrox this summer
Mark Guidi admits that captain James Tavernier could be part of the clearout this summer at Rangers.
It’s expected to be a summer of change at Ibrox, not just in terms of ownership and potentially a new manager but also the players.
However, he admits difficulties at getting him out of the club, given the fact that he is on high wages.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show (20 March), the journalist said: “I would perhaps have Tavernier as part of the clearout.
“Can you get a fee for him? He’s one of the biggest earners at [Rangers]. I’m not saying you should get rid of him. But it would be something I would be considering for a number of reasons.”
Chris Jack shares the latest on the San Francisco 49ers’ takeover plans
Chris Jack reported on 21 March that while the San Francisco 49ers’ takeover remains on track, Gretar Steinsson is not part of the process of hiring a new sporting director.
Patrick Stewart himself confirmed that the club are in the hunt to hire someone for that role going forward.
Since Ross Wilson’s exit, that role has not been filled, with Nils Koppen performing a lot of duties.