Barry Ferguson possible next job shared after Rangers announcement - Exclusive

Rangers confirmed on Sunday that Barry Ferguson will not be staying on as manager next season.

Ferguson was brought in on a caretaker basis following the sacking of Philippe Clement in February and made clear he wanted to stay on permanently.

Former Gers captain Ferguson had a mixed time of things results wise, with victory away at Celtic and progression past Fenerbahce in the Europa League last 16 particular highs.

However, Rangers have thanked Ferguson for his services over the past few months and confirmed the search is ongoing for another new boss.

Derek Ferguson expects brother Barry to stay on at Rangers

Davide Ancelotti is the favourite to take over at Ibrox, while the likes of Gary O'Neil, Sean Dyche and Russell Martin have also been mentioned.

Will Still, who is leaving French side Lens, is said to have already turned down an approach from Rangers.

And should it be a foreign coach brought in such as Ancelotti, Derek Ferguson believes it makes sense for brother Barry - or anyone else connected to Rangers - to be hired to help keep the identity.

Asked about the importance of maintaining some sort of Rangers connection among the backroom staff, Ferguson exclusively told Ibrox News: "That's where Barry comes into it. It's important they have a Scottish identity.

"Whoever comes in will do their homework on that front. Barry has been there as a player, an ambassador and now a manager.

"I think it's so important. Rangers need that identity. We talk about the kit men, the tea ladies and all the others - they have Rangers in their hearts. They are the people who tell it the way it is, which is what the Rangers players need."

Rangers should offer job to Barry Ferguson

Ancelotti, or whoever it is who is appointed, will want their own staff members. That is nothing new and is also encouraged.

However, keeping the Rangers identity is also important, and there could well be a job for Ferguson on the training ground.

While he was not perfect in his short time in charge, it was clear his strengths lie on the training ground in getting the most out of players.

The search for a new boss has now ramped up, but it may well be that Ferguson is contacted in the not-too-distant future over a new position at Ibrox.