Credit: Imago

Carla Devine

Sat 10 May 2025 9:40, UK

Rangers are set to see plenty of change at Ibrox this summer.

The 49ers Enterprises are looking to complete a takeover of the Glasgow club and, although it is yet to be completed, preparations are already being put in place.

Kevin Thelwell is set to join Rangers as the new sporting director when his contract with Everton runs out at the end of the campaign.

Thelwell is a 49ers-approved appointment and the incoming Gers man is already underway with the search for a new permanent manager.

Barry Ferguson keen on Rangers job permanently

Although their season was well over, Rangers made the correct decision to part ways with Philippe Clement earlier in the season and morale has certainly risen.

The return of Barry Ferguson to Ibrox was welcomed by supporters and, although he didn’t have high-level managerial experience, his return has put some fight back in the players.

Form has still been rocky, particularly in the Scottish Premiership, but a Europa League run to the semi-finals gave those in the stands something to cheer about.

Home form has been particularly poor, so there is plenty of work to be done, but according to Scott McDermott writing in the Daily Record (10 May, page 61), the interim boss is keen on the permanent role.

Furthermore, conversations have been held between Ferguson and Thelwell.

McDermott claims: “Initially, the stand-in gaffer had distanced himself from any talk linking him with the job full-time.

“But it’s now clear he’d love to be the permanent Rangers manager. Most fans believe the 49ers Enterprises’ summer takeover will mean a new man at the helm for next season.

“But Ferguson is refusing to rule himself out after his discussions with new sporting director Kevin Thelwell.

“He believes he can do the job and bring success back to Ibrox. But as the season draws to a close, Ferguson wants answers on his future as soon as possible.”

Ferguson has not done enough at Rangers

Ferguson has done well at Rangers in difficult circumstances and he deserves plenty of credit for his work with the Gers.

However, if the 49ers are serious about pushing Rangers to that next stage, then going for a more reputable name would certainly be an understandable decision.

Not only have the results not lifted enough to be convincing, but with the increased level of investment, the new owners also have to have confidence that their appointment is able to work with that bigger budget.

Nevertheless, there could be a role for Ferguson at Ibrox in a more behind-the-scenes role if both parties were eager to continue the relationship and it wouldn’t necessarily be the worst shout.

It will be interesting to see which direction the American investors go in, but with some of the names that have been linked to the Ibrox vacancy, a fresh start does look more likely.