Barry Ferguson ‘set for Rangers exit’ after huge 49ers developments at Ibrox
Barry Ferguson could be set to become the first victim of Rangers’ lofty ambitions at Ibrox once the 49ers Enterprises takeover is complete.
Developments are continuing towards the handing over of Rangers to a consortium of US investors propped up by 49ers chief Paraag Marathe, and health insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh.
Gers fans are expecting ambition under the imminent regime to run parallel with the anticipated increased financial capabilities, which could see Ibrox legend Ferguson fall by the wayside.
Rangers expected to snub Ferguson for ‘high-calibre’ appointment
As exclusively revealed to Ibrox News by finance expert Dan Plumley on Wednesday (26 March), Rangers are likely preparing to appoint one of a shortlist of “big names” ahead of next season.
Ferguson has had an eventful start as manager on a contract until the end of the season, using his own extensive Gers background alongside that of his coaching staff to instil the ‘DNA’ required to improve performances between now and the summer.
The ex-Ibrox captain has masterminded a two-legged European victory over Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce, turning over Celtic on their own patch in the Old Firm derby just three days later.
Plumley has noted how incoming ownership structures are always likely to tear up the floorboards and recruit their staff, which could see 49ers Enterprises plunge into the depths of their pockets to secure a massive name on the Ibrox touchline.
Rangers fans are baying with anticipation. They want to compete domestically again and topple Celtic once more. This season has been unacceptable, and Ferguson has appeared a very tidy temporary solution.
Ferguson could still give 49ers no choice
The expected move from the 49ers would be harsh on Ferguson, but the 47-year-old’s decades on the football scene, especially concerning Rangers, have taught him the ruthlessness of the game.
He has always played down the questions over his long-term future, which is the only correct measure to take, given that it is likely to be out of his hands.
If anything, Ferguson is likely putting himself in the shop window with this audition period for external jobs, but there is one way he could give the incoming owners no choice.
| Rangers – last five permanent managers | Spell |
| Philippe Clement | October 2023 – February 2025 |
| Michael Beale | November 2022 – October 2023 |
| Giovanni van Bronckhorst | November 2021 – November 2022 |
| Steven Gerrard | June 2018 – November 2021 |
| Pedro Caixinha | March 2017 – October 2017 |
Win the Europa League; go one better than the memorable side of 2022 under Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Make history. Easier said than done, granted. Rangers perform far better as outsiders, however.
It will certainly be intriguing as to how the management development pans out. Though right now for Rangers, while they undergo their transition at boardroom level, Ferguson is fully focused on delivering not just for himself, but the club of which he will always be a part of the fabric.