49ers ‘to decide on short-term manager’ as problems set after Rangers takeover
Rangers are in talks with Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises over a potential takeover, with a significant managerial decision on the cards.
Barry Ferguson took interim charge at Ibrox after Philippe Clement’s sacking, and what the future holds for the Gers icon remains to be seen.
The former Scotland international has reinvigorated the Light Blues, and despite evident defensive fragilities, as was on show in the 4-3 win over Dundee at Dens Park, he has convinced many to take charge beyond this season.
Cavenagh and the 49ers may have Ferguson on their list as they discuss who should take the Bears forward, with a short-term deal potentially on the cards.
Rangers to offer Ferguson short-term deal after 49ers takeover
Ferguson could possibly be handed a short-term deal to stay at the Glaswegian outfit after the takeover, Keith Jackson says.
The Daily Record journalist believes Cavenagh and the 49ers will have multiple problems to solve at the Gers once they arrive at Ibrox.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
Jackson feels it would be best for the prospective new owners to hand Ferguson a 12-month deal and reevaluate his position further down the line.
Speaking on Hotline Live (2 April), the journalist said: “Rangers’ prospective new owners have got 99 problems, and right now Ferguson isn’t one of them. For that reason alone, I’d be thinking, ‘Do you know what? The smart move here is to put him on a 12-month rolling contract’.
“You’re not going to go say here’s a five-year deal. Put him on a 12-month rolling contract. Accept that he’s doing a better job than the previous manager and just say, ‘We’ve got a ton of things to sort out, why don’t you take this on and let’s see where we are down the line’.”
Ferguson has done enough for new Ibrox contract
Ferguson’s history at Ibrox makes him a perfect candidate to become the next permanent manager.
While there’s an argument to be made as to how good the Gers have been under him, the 47-year-old has managed to beat Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers.
It would make sense for Cavenagh and the 49ers to stick with the former Scotland international on a short-term basis and see how he does.
Vaclav Cerny also reportedly wants Ferguson to continue at Rangers and would be open to working under him next season.
The US consortium will arguably have a lot of things to sort out behind the scenes in their initial months after taking over, making the interim manager’s contract extension a no-brainer.
If things are dragged out for long, the Americans will have many problems on their hands without a new manager in place.
Ferguson could seemingly provide the prospective new owners the stability they need in the short term to gauge what’s needed at Ibrox.
The interim manager already seems to have a grasp on the squad, and giving him the reins would evidently make planning for the summer transfer window less complicated.