Barry Ferguson faced the media yesterday afternoon ahead of Rangers’ trip to Paisley, giving fans updates on injuries and speaking openly about his future as manager.
On the injury front, Ferguson confirmed that Leon Balogun is sidelined after undergoing surgery for a facial injury suffered during the second leg against Athletic Club. Ridvan Yilmaz’s season is also over after the hamstring injury he picked up in the same match, while Sterling remains a long-term absentee. Tom Lawrence has also been ruled out.
While there were no massive surprises, the blow of losing Yilmaz for the rest of the campaign has reignited fan frustration around his injury record and inconsistency. With a big summer ahead, it feels increasingly likely that the club will look to move him on. As for Lawrence, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it’s looking like we’ve already seen his final appearance in a Rangers shirt.
Ferguson added that a few players have returned to training, though he stopped short of naming names. However, sharp-eyed fans spotted Neraysho Kasanwirjo back in the club’s training gallery and video updates. The 23-year-old Dutch defender impressed earlier this season before a horrific knee injury on international duty. It would be brilliant to see him get some minutes before the campaign closes out.
Barry Ferguson’s Future at Rangers Manager
Speaking about his own position, Ferguson made it crystal clear: he wants to stay on as Rangers manager beyond the summer. For now, he’s interim boss with just five games left. With new owners set to come in and Kevin Thelwell already green-lit to become Sporting Director at the end of the season, though, it feels like a new era is about to begin — and that usually means a new face in the dugout too.
Ferguson’s time in charge has had some real highs: the Old Firm win at Parkhead, uniting the support, and leading the team to a Europa League quarter-final. But domestic defeats to Motherwell and Hibernian will undoubtedly give both fans and the incoming leadership team pause for thought. One thing’s for sure — Ferguson won’t be managing anywhere else. He was adamant that Rangers is his club. If not appointed permanent boss, he plans to return to his ambassadorial role. When asked if he’d consider joining a new management team, he kept his cards close to his chest — and knowing Barry, that doesn’t seem likely.
Today’s Match Against St Mirren: A Chance to Finish Strong
As we head to St Mirren today, it’s fair to say excitement for the match itself is a little flat. With the league and cups out of reach, there’s little left to fight for. Performances have dipped in recent weeks, but with excitement bubbling about the takeover and a fresh future, the mood among Rangers fans remains surprisingly upbeat.
Some have called for Ferguson to give youth a chance, blooding youngsters in these final games. However, he was clear in his press conference: he’ll pick players who are showing the most in training. And with his own future possibly on the line, Ferguson knows he’ll need wins — five of them — to make his case to stay.
Goalkeeper:
Liam Kelly
Defence:
James Tavernier (C)
John Souttar
Clinton Nsiala
Jefte
Midfield:
Nicolas Raskin
Bailey Rice
Mohammed Diomande
Attack:
Vaclav Cerny
Danilo
Hamza Igamane
Let’s see a performance with energy, hunger, and no fear – the type that reminds us why we back this club through every twist and turn.
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