Rangers have made another bold managerial move, with club legend Barry Ferguson stepping in as Head Coach until the end of the season. The decision follows the departure of Philippe Clement and his backroom staff, with the Ibrox hierarchy clearly seeking fresh impetus in the wake of recent struggles.
Ferguson, a Hall of Famer and former captain, is no stranger to leading Rangers on the pitch, having lifted five league titles, five Scottish Cups, and five League Cups during his two spells at the club. Now, he returns to the dugout, tasked with steadying the ship and salvaging what remains of the campaign. He will be joined by Issame Charai and an all-Rangers coaching team including, Neil McCann, Billy Dodds, and Allan McGregor.
Clement’s Exit and the Board’s Justification
As confirmed yesterday, Philippe Clement has left the club along with Alex Rae, Colin Stewart, and Stephan van der Heyden. The Belgian coach departs after failing to spark a turnaround in fortunes, with CEO Patrick Stewart making it clear that results after the early Scottish Cup exit left the board with no choice but to act.
Stewart’s statement struck a balance between appreciation and realism:
Philippe and his team have worked tirelessly during their time at the club and have played an important role in developing the first team’s young players. However, the issues we are facing run deeper than the manager. The ongoing football review seeks to address those issues, and we will continue to implement its findings ahead of appointing a new, permanent manager.
Patrick Stewart, Rangers Chief Executive Officer
The club’s top brass have acknowledged that managerial changes alone won’t resolve deeper-rooted problems, with Stewart emphasising that “nobody will get unlimited time in any role at the club.” This signals a hard reset across multiple levels of Rangers’ football operations.
Ferguson’s Return – A Temporary Fix!
The appointment of Barry Ferguson as interim Head Coach is an intriguing move. While his previous managerial stints at Clyde, Kelty Hearts, and Alloa were mixed, his deep understanding of Rangers and his passion for the club are undeniable. With fellow former players like Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor by his side, the backroom setup screams of a return to traditional Rangers values.
Ferguson’s leadership on the pitch was defined by a fierce will to win and an uncompromising drive—traits that fans will hope he can instil in the squad. But can this shake-up provide the kind of spark Rangers need to rescue their faltering season?
What’s Next for Rangers?
Brian Gilmour will remain at the club, ensuring continuity in bridging the gap between the academy and the first team. His presence suggests that youth development will remain a key part of the club’s long-term vision.
Meanwhile, the club’s football review continues, with an eye on securing a permanent managerial appointment in the coming months. Ferguson is unlikely to been seen as a longer-term solution, but fans will be hoping this interim appointment can bring some signs of improvement in the performances.
For now, the priority is clear: galvanise the squad, restore some pride, and ensure that the season doesn’t completely unravel. With Ferguson at the helm, Rangers fans can at least expect a team that fights for the badge.
Have Your Say
What do you make of Barry Ferguson’s return as Head Coach? Will he provide the lift Rangers need, or should the club have looked elsewhere? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!