Rangers news: Claim emerges on foreign manager taking over
Tam McManus has delivered his verdict on a foreign manager getting the Rangers job over Barry Ferguson.
The former Gers captain was handed the job on an interim basis and has done well thus far after the club sacked Philippe Clement.
He’s masterminded his side to wins over Celtic in the league and Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
Ibrox faithful may want Barry Ferguson to stay permanently if they beat Bilbao – Tam McManus
McManus does not see Gers managing to get past Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-final of the Europa League.
However, in case they do, he seems the Ibrox faithful glamouring behind Ferguson to get the job on a permanent basis.
He told PLZ Soccer at 49:02: “There are still question marks about him tactically, because let’s be honest, he went Alloa, went to Clyde. Didn’t quite work out for him. Done well at Kelty but then people come in and go: ‘Why’s he up against Jose Mourinho over two legs? There’s only one winner.’
“Barry showed over those two legs that he is good tactically and he made a brave decision at Parkhead. Would he do that if he had the job permanently, I don’t know. He’s probably thinking he’s got nothing to lose at the minute for Rangers.
“He’s obviously got some tactical acumen as well so I think if you look at the whole package, I think Bilbao will beat them. I think they’ll be too strong for Rangers. But if he wins that, there will be a clamour amongst a certain number of Rangers fans thinking: ‘Well we’re going to go and get a foreign coach. Is he going to be any better than Barry?’ I think he’s put himself in the picture to get it.”
San Francisco 49ers have a big decision to make over the next Rangers manager
While McManus questions Ferguson’s tactical nous and predicts a loss to Bilbao, he acknowledges the growing support among fans if Ferguson pulls off an upset.
However, the focus shouldn’t solely be on nationality – foreign or domestic – but on finding the right person for the job.
Rangers, expected to be backed by the meticulous 49ers investment group, won’t rush this decision.
| Opposition | Home/Away |
| Dundee FC | Away |
| Hibernian | Home |
| Athletic Club | Home |
| Aberdeen | Away |
Their track record suggests a thorough, data-driven approach to appointments, ensuring the best candidate emerges, whether that’s Ferguson or someone else.
The interim boss has shown promise, with wins over Celtic and Fenerbahce proving he can handle high-stakes matches, and his bold Parkhead calls displayed tactical courage.
His past struggles at Alloa and Clyde raise doubts, but his current run indicates growth.
If he beats Bilbao, the clamour for his permanent appointment will intensify, and deservedly so as he’d have earned it on merit, not sentiment.
Yet, the 49ers will likely weigh this against a broader pool, including foreign managers with proven pedigrees.
The priority is a leader who fits Rangers’ long-term vision, not just a feel-good story.
If Ferguson emerges as the standout after their rigorous process, balancing his recent success, tactical evolution and club connection, then he should get the job.