Barry Ferguson, interim manager of Rangers, has made a bold move to stake his claim for the permanent position, despite the fact that his team’s performance has been somewhat mixed.
After their recent draw with Celtic, Ferguson sat down in the media suite to discuss his ambitions for the job.
Though his words were well-spoken, there was still a sense that his argument required a leap of faith from anyone listening.
Ferguson Reflects on His Time as Interim Manager
Ferguson acknowledged that his time at the helm hadn’t been without its challenges.
He referred to “a few bumps along the way,” but emphasized that these had been valuable learning experiences.
He remains unshaken by the difficulties, insisting that nothing about the role intimidates him.
His task has certainly been a tough one—taking over a team that had stagnated under previous manager Philippe Clement.
In his 10 weeks in charge, Ferguson has seen some highs, such as thrilling victories at Dens Park and Kilmarnock, and a Europa League triumph over Fenerbahce.
Yet, there have also been significant lows, including defeats to Motherwell and Hibernian, as well as frustrating draws with St Mirren, Aberdeen, and Celtic.
Despite a few high points, the overall performance has been inconsistent, and Ferguson has struggled to establish a steady run of wins.
The Rangers’ Struggles Under Ferguson’s Leadership
Ferguson’s record—four wins in 12 games—pales in comparison to his predecessor, Clement, who was let go after a string of seven consecutive victories.
Even more concerning, Ferguson has yet to secure a win in any of his five home games, making Rangers’ winless streak at Ibrox now extend to seven matches.
It’s hard to argue that Ferguson has made a noticeable difference.
With the arrival of new sporting director Kevin Thelwell, the question arises whether Ferguson even figures into the future plans for Rangers, or if a new direction will be sought.
Time Is Running Out for Ferguson to Prove Himself
One thing Ferguson did highlight, and which is hard to disagree with, is the urgency of decisions that need to be made before the new season begins.
Rangers have Champions League qualifiers on the horizon, set to kick off on July 22/23.
Whoever is in charge will need at least a month to prepare, leaving them with a mere five weeks after the current season ends.
The clock is ticking, and the team’s future direction needs to be set quickly.
A Squad in Need of Overhaul
Rangers’ squad clearly isn’t where it needs to be. Despite some strong performances, the team has also faltered against lower-tier sides, losing to Queen’s Park and shipping 32 points in league matches other than the derbies.
In Ferguson’s eyes, a major overhaul is required, and he’s aware that mental resilience and belief need to be instilled into the squad.
There’s also the pressing issue of player departures.
Leon Balogun, Ianis Hagi, and Tom Lawrence are all expected to leave when their contracts expire, leaving Rangers with significant gaps to fill.
Balogun, though a strong signing in his time, is nearing the end of his career, while Hagi’s injury struggles mean that a fresh start may be best for both him and the club.
Decisions Looming Over Key Players
Other players’ futures also hang in the balance. Vaclav Cerny, the Czech winger on loan from Wolfsburg, has had a somewhat unremarkable season but could still offer value if Rangers can negotiate a permanent deal.
Meanwhile, Oscar Cortes, who moved from Lens, has had little luck since arriving, suffering injuries and failing to make a major impact in Ferguson’s plans.
The £4 million fee due to Lens could prompt Rangers to reassess whether Cortes has a future at the club.
There are also players like Jack Butland, whose situation is becoming increasingly uncertain.
With his current contract running until 2027, Butland may find himself warming the bench unless a decision is made soon.
The futures of Liam Kelly, John Souttar, and Nicolas Raskin also need to be addressed, with some contracts expiring soon and others requiring extension talks.
Tough Decisions Ahead for the Next Manager
The situation is becoming critical, and Ferguson will likely have little say in the upcoming decisions, especially with the arrival of new ownership.
The incoming American investors are expected to bring fresh ideas and much-needed investment, and they will undoubtedly want to bring in a new face to lead the team forward.
With pressure mounting and no honeymoon period expected, whoever takes the reins will have their work cut out for them.