Ferguson calls for upgrade after what player has admitted about Rangers exit
Rangers are in for a hectic summer of transfer activity, both in terms of incoming and outgoing business.
The Gers are 17 points behind Scottish Premiership champions Celtic – not that supporters need reminding – and that gap is not going to close by magic come next season.
Appointing a new manager is the immediate priority, with Davide Ancelotti very much the favourite to be hired at Ibrox.
Only then can new signings be made, while it is very likely that a few first-team exits could also be on the cards.
Liam Kelly hints at Rangers exit
One man who could be on his way out is goalkeeper Liam Kelly, who was recently instated as first-choice keeper amid Jack Butland’s alarming drop-off in form.
Kelly dropped back to the bench for Rangers’ 3-1 win over Dundee United at Ibrox on Wednesday, with Butland likely back between the sticks for these final two matches.
Despite starting six of Rangers’ past seven games, Kelly recently hinted he will look for a new club if he is not a regular starter next season, which is unlikely to be the case.
And while Derek Ferguson would like Kelly to stay on as number two, he does not believe he is good enough to be first choice and therefore believes an upgrade is required.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Ferguson – the brother of caretaker boss Barry Ferguson – said: “I think Rangers need to look for better than Kelly.
“He’s a good keeper, but if Rangers want to win league titles, they need a top-drawer keeper.
| Liam Kelly (2024-25) | |
| Games started | 13 |
| Clean sheets | 5 |
| Goals conceded | 13 |
“Kelly is a good number two and I’d like to keep him because he’s a Rangers man, but not as first choice.
“I’m not sure what’s happened with Jack – I’m scratching my head – but he’s clearly better than he’s shown and better than Kelly. The mistakes this season have been unusual.”
Butland has chance to prove himself again at Rangers
Barry Ferguson opted to bring Butland back in from the cold against Dundee United and the Englishman will surely be number one next season.
However, if Butland’s form drops off again, Rangers need to make sure that they have a strong back-up ready to fill in.
Whether that man is Kelly remains to be seen, but if the Rangers product does decide to move on, he will depart with the best wishes of everyone associated with Rangers.