Barry Ferguson stance on replacing Russell Martin revealed as Rangers sack looms
Russell Martin’s future at Rangers continues to look bleaker with every match that passes by.
Rangers’ 2-1 loss to Sturm Graz exposed every issue that has been seen under Martin: defensive frailty, uninspiring attacking play, and a weak mentality that is unheard of for Gers supporters.
Martin is on the brink of the Rangers sack, with supporters beyond angry at how this season has developed under the former Southampton manager.
Barry Ferguson was let go by Andrew Cavenagh at the end of last season after a caretaker spell, yet many fans believe that he should have been given a proper opportunity at Ibrox.
Barry Ferguson unlikely to return to Rangers should Russell Martin be be sacked
Ferguson spent two spells in Govan as a player, while also agreeing to become the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2024-25 season following the sacking of Philippe Clement.
| Barry Ferguson | Stat | Martin |
| 15 | Games managed | 16 |
| 6 | Wins | 5 |
| 5 | Draws | 5 |
| 4 | Losses | 6 |
| 29 | Goals scored | 20 |
| 21 | Goals conceded | 23 |
| 40 | Win percentage | 31.25 |
Whilst their managerial records aren’t too dissimilar, it must be remembered that Barry Ferguson stepped up in February, having had no transfer window or cash to build the team that he wanted.
As a result, achieving a run to the Europa League quarter-finals was a solid achievement, especially when you compare it with how Rangers have fared in Europe this campaign.
Player-turned-pundit Derek Ferguson has now exclusively told Ibrox News his thoughts on whether he thinks his brother will return to Rangers as Martin’s sacking becomes an increasing possibility.
He said: “I’m not too sure. Barry would probably look at that squad and wonder if he could get a tune out of them. He’d need to have a sit-down with [Neil] McCann, [Billy] Dodds, and [Allan] McGregor – who knows?
“I’d imagine he’s still disappointed at not being given the opportunity at the end of last season.
“What I would say with Barry, and his backroom staff, if they were in that position, then Rangers would be nowhere near as bad as they are at the minute.
“They’d be in a much better place and would be challenging Celtic. The 49ers have underestimated Rangers and don’t really get what it’s all about.
“They say they do, but do they really? I can’t talk for Barry, but based on gut feeling, because he wasn’t offered the job previously I don’t think he’d go back in.”
Rangers fans would welcome Barry Ferguson back
While the mood is low for all Rangers supporters at the moment, if Barry Ferguson were to come back to G51, spirits would be slightly raised.
Barry Ferguson recorded some big wins and created unforgettable memories for Rangers at the back end of last season.
The 47-year-old recorded huge away wins to Fenerbahce and Celtic in March, and the win in Turkey typified what his side were about.
The strong mentality that was present last season under Barry Ferguson has completely evaporated, with Rangers bringing in 14 new players under Martin.
These young players have failed to adapt to the standards that are held in Govan, and in the unlikely event he is has a second chance at managing the Bears, he would address the mentality issue first.
The Light Blues demand a hard-working team, and Barry Ferguson would show that from day one if he were to return to his boyhood club.
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