Rangers manager search down to two names as Ferguson pleads with Marathe

Barry Ferguson has now made it clear he would like to stay on as permanent Rangers manager, but it remains to be seen if he has done enough to do so.

Ferguson has had a rather mixed spell in caretaker charge, overseeing some superb results and also some disappointing ones.

Ultimately, Rangers have remained inconsistent and that is what may cost Ferguson the chance of staying on as Rangers boss permanently.

All the while, a number of names continue to be linked with the Rangers job, with an appointment now potentially close.

Paraag Marathe visits Ibrox

49ers chief Paraag Marathe is leading takeover talks at Rangers and was spotted at Ibrox last week in an exciting development.

Marathe still needs to get the takeover over the line, but it may well be that he is also playing a big part in the search for the next manager.

Indeed, in the view of Derek Ferguson - the brother of Barry Ferguson - Marathe likely now has just one or two names in mind.

Ferguson, speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, has pleaded with Marathe to quick make a decision one way or another with an eye on vastly improving ahead of next season.

"I think he needs to make an appointment as quickly as possible," Ferguson said. "It's clear to see a number of changes are needed to the squad, so the sooner the managerial position is sorted the better.

"We're basically into the close-season now and it's usually a quick turnover, with plenty to resolve before then.

"It'll come down to one or two names now and they need to be speaking to these guys in order to get someone in as quickly as possible. This squad needs major surgery.

"They've already made changes high up, with Kevin Thelwell the latest in, but we need to make sure we're challenging next season after this season's embarrassment.

"The sooner someone is at the helm, who can make tough choices, the better - that's very important."

Who is in the frame to become next Rangers manager?

Ferguson still hopes he has done enough to stay on, but his chances are thinning giving Rangers' poor end to the domestic campaign.

Steven Gerrard is the favourite to become next Rangers manager, while Marco Rose - formerly of Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig - is the second favourite ahead of Ferguson.

It may well be that those are the two - or three - names being considered at this stage, and each come with their positives and negatives.

Whoever it is, the board could do with getting them in place ASAP so that preparations can properly begin for next season.