Rangers next manager hunt RECAP as fans told why short term Barry Ferguson appointment is best for all parties

"In the short-term I think it can be a good thing"

Alan Hutton believes the decision to hand his former teammate Barry Ferguson the job at Rangers until the end of the season is a logical one and gives the club time to plan their next move.

Speaking on the Premier Sports Scottish Football Social Club, Hutton said:

They've all played for the club, have won trophies there and they know what it means to play for the football club. They know how much desire it takes so I am sure they will bring all of that, turn around the mentality and try and get the best out of them (the team).

I think for now it is the best thing to do in the short term if he can go in there and do really well. If the 49ers takeover does go through, you would think they would then look to who they want to appoint going forward. But in the short-term I think it can be a good thing.

Mourinho in the headlines again

Barry Ferguson's biggest test as Rangers manager will come in 10 days time when they travel to Istanbul to face Fenerbache in the first leg of their Europa League lasdt 16 clash in 10 days time.

And ahead of the game, the Turkish giants' boss Jose Mourinho is in the headlines again, but not quite for the reason that you might expect.

7 Fergie takeaways

New interim Rangers boss Barry Ferguson has quickly set out his stall for his three month spell at the Ibrox help.

The club icon has rounded off a whirlwind 24 hours by landing in the hot seat and replacing Philippe Clement on an interim basis - with Rangers legends Neil McCann, Allan McGregor and Billy Dodds in an A-list backroom team as the look to steady the ship after a nightmare campaign. The squad are hurtling towards a trophyless campaign with their Premier Sports Cup hopes ended by Celtic before a humbling Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Queen's Park.

The Europa League presents the only realistic shot at silverware with Jose Mourinho's side next on the agenda in Europe - with Brendan Rodgers' men holding a comfortable 13 point advantage at the Scottish Premiership summit. So what is next for Ferguson as he looks to make the most of his time in the dugout - and get the side he captained back to winning ways?

He has now issued his first address to Rangers TV. Record Sport takes a look at what we learned:

BREAKING! Ferguson admits shock over Gers call

Honest Barry Ferguson admits he didn't expect the call to become Rangers boss to EVER come after a whirlwind 24 hours saw him land in the hot seat.

The club legend has been handed the top job at Ibrox on an interim basis after a dismal campaign under Philippe Clement - with defeat to St Mirren on home turf proving to be the final straw for CEO Patrick Stewart and the board. Ferguson steps into the hot seat with Rangers legends Neil McCann, Allan McGregor and Billy Dodds by his side as he looks to steady the ship - but with little to play for in terms of silverware.

With Celtic leading the the Scottish Premiership by 13 points and a tough Europa League clash with Fenerbahce ahead Ferguson is facing a tough task. But he told Rangers TV that he jumped at the chance to step into the hot seat.

The 'small difference' Ferguson can make

Andy Halliday reckons that Barry Ferguson can make a “small difference” on the side - but he will need Rangers players to “police” standards.

The Light Blues have turned to their former captain to stop the campaign spiralling out of control.

And Halliday - who was managed briefly by Ferguson at Blackpool - told Clyde 1 Superscoreboard:

I think it can make a difference. It can make a small difference. But what's more important is your identity as a group, your style on the pitch and what you're putting in on the training ground every day.

I've worked with Barry Ferguson, he was my manager at Blackpool and what I will say is he will certainly put standards on these players every single day which is extremely important.

Equally as important is your dressing room. When I was a younger player growing up, the manager was in control of a whole lot whether that be the dressing room, fine systems, whatever it may be.

Now, especially over the last five or ten years, that's player policed. The standards are driven by your dressing room.

So yes he can come in and put standards on your training pitch but it's got to be within your team as well. We had people saying that when Michael Beale left and Rangers appointed Alex Rae that he knew what it was like, but he just lost his job as well.

"They'll be looking for a headliner"

Michael Stewart insists the 49ers Enterprises will be looking to land a 'headliner' managerial appointment at Rangers next summer provided their takeover of the Ibrox giants goes through.

Derek McInnes and David Wagner are two names who are reportedly on the club's radar in the long-term while some fans in Govan will also be dreaming of a return for Steven Gerrard.

And Stewart believes the wealth of resources available to the 49ers will help Rangers try and attract a big name to fill the vacancy.

He told the Premier Sports Football Social Club:

The most important thing for Rangers is getting that 49ers investment arm takeover, because that is what will give them their foundations to genuinely go and compete. You could bring Steven Gerrard back as much as you want, but if you are trying to build on a decreasing budget within the squad, it is very, very difficult.

With the 49ers investment arm coming in, that is the most important thing. When they get that and everything else behind the scenes on point, then you can get the figurehead to come in.

I don't think a lot of those names would be brought in if the 49ers investment arm comes in. They'll be looking for a headliner.

Clement entitled to hefty pay-off

Philippe Clement is entitled to a significantly higher pay off from Rangers than has previously been suggested.

The Ibrox hierarchy confirmed on Sunday night that they had taken the decision to remove the Belgian as their head coach. The final details of his settlement are currently being thrashed out between the Ibrox side and Clement’s representatives. Reports last week claimed that Clement’s settlement figure was £1.2 million but the figure is significantly higher.

Steven Gerrard 'welcome' at Rangers

And the 49ers could play a key role in clearing a hurdle in his permanent boss return.

It's claimed that he already "knows" his role at the club.

Gers 'target' two candidates for the summer

Rangers have reportedly identified two potential managerial targets to take up the reins at Ibrox next summer.

Club icon Barry Ferguson has been tasked with taking the team on an interim basis for the rest of the season and talkSPORT claim that Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes and former Huddersfield and Norwich head coach David Wagner are two names who could be considered to land the job permanently.

They also add that a Rangers return for Steven Gerrard is highly unlikely.

6 burning Rangers issues for Fergie

Barry Ferguson will feel like the man of the moment in Glasgow after he sealed an emotional return to Rangers in a seismic week for the club.

The 47-year-old cemented his Ibrox legend status with 288 appearances and 15 trophies in two glorious playing spells at the Old Firm giants. And now 16 years from last donning the Light Blue kit he takes over as interim manager until the end of the season.

So, there is not time to waste for the former Blackpool, Clyde and Kelty Hearts boss. Record Sporttakes a look at the big obstacles facing Ferguson, his potential first IX and what to look out for as the Rangers tale takes another twist.

Ferguson arrives at Auchenhowie

Barry Ferguson has now arrived at the Rangers Training Centre to hold his first meeting with his new players since being confirmed as interim manager, with Sky Sports sharing footage from outside Auchenhowie.

Also arriving at Auchenhowie are his new backroom team consisting of his old teammates Allan McGregor, Neil McCann and Billy Dodds.

Ferguson to hold talks with senior stars

It was business as usual for the Rangers squad today, with assistant coach Issame Charai taking training after sacked boss Philippe Clement said his goodbyes.

The likes of Nicolas Raskin, Vaclav Cerny and club captain James Tavernier were all snapped leaving training ahead of interim manager Barry Ferguson's first game in charge against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Wednesday.

And after assembling his backroom team of former Ibrox teammates Allan McGregor, Neil McCann and Billy Dodds, the former Rangers skipper is now due to meet with senior members of the squad to get a feel for the current situation.

Alan Pardew wants the Rangers job

Alan Pardew has thrown his hat in the ring to become the next permanent Rangers manager.

The Englishman has been out of work since leaving Greek side Aris in February 2023 following just 21 matches in charge.

However, that hasn’t deterred the former West Ham and Newcastle United boss throwing his hat into the ring. Asked by Faye Carruthers on talkSPORT if he would be interested in the vacancy - with Barry Ferguson in the hot seat until the summer- he said:

I think you know any manager who's out of work would be interested in Rangers.

It's a big club and you know, there's obviously noises from up there that all is not well and they do look some way away, I mean I watched Celtic’s performance in the week.

I thought they were absolutely brilliant. I mean that's as good a Celtic performance I've seen maybe since they played Barcelona under Neil Lennon.

They were terrific and they were very very unlucky. And not to take that into extra time, etc and maybe go through.

But Rangers, I mean a home defeat for Rangers by St. Mirren don't even sound right.

Ferguson needs to be 'creative'

Steven Naismith reckons his former teammate Barry Ferguson will need to be 'creative' to quickly get the Rangers squad onside to try and have a strong end to the season.

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said:

He would do whatever it took to win (as a player). I found that tough love good, it helped me on. But we are in a different generation and the squad is different to what he played in as club captain.

"I am sure him and the guys around about him who are coming in will need to be creative to understand the squad as quick as they can. Who needs that arm around them, who needs that geeing up before games and who needs to be left alone.You are at Rangers because you are a good quality player and it's about dealing with that mentality and pressure that comes with playing for the club.

Everbody is different. I played with John Souttar and he enjoyed that tough love and honesty. But there has been a change because there is more focus around the mental and psychologicalside of the game.

McCann's first tactical tweak?

Neil McCann has already dropped a clue of what he will look to instantly change as part of Barry Fergsuon’s new-look backroom team.

Following the defeat to St Mirren, the pundit took to BBC Sportscene to slam the negative tactics played by Philippe Clement - noting that throw ins were consistently played back into their own half by the Light Blues stars:

You can talk about nerves, but I’m sorry this is negative and this has got to come from the manager. The negative throw from Jefte allows St Mirren to do the aggressive press. It’s then a roll back to Butland, and Nsiala. Don’t look negatively.

The unseen Butland and McGregor relationship

Jack Butland will be working with an Ibrox legend when Allan McGregor steps into training.

But it won’t be for the first time - with the duo having trained together before McGregor’s testimonial clash.

The England cap had to fill the gloves of the new Rangers goalkeeping coach when he retired in 2023. He said at the time:

I’ve had big goalies to follow in the past. Top goalies have gone before and they’ll come again. That’s the beauty of the position. We are all different and we can all make it our own. There’s no denying the impact some of those guys have had on the club. It’s something I have paid attention to.

I think we’ll get to see Allan and hopefully get to train with him for a couple of days before the Newcastle game. That will be really nice and an opportunity to pick his brains a little bit. Just about his experiences and what the club means to him and how that can help me. We’re different goalkeepers and I’m just looking forward to getting the gloves on and trying to emulate some of the things they have achieved.

Cantwell sends message to old Gers pal

It's fair to say Todd Cantwell and Philippe Clement didn't always see eye-to-eye in his spell at Rangers.

And while the now-Blackburn midfielder hasn't given his thoughts on his former manager's departure, he has taken to Instagram to share a joke with his old captain at Ibrox James Tavernier.

Taking a photo from inside his car, Cantwell tagged Tavernier in a post on Instagram over their shared love for the song Talibans by singer/songwriter Byron Messia.

Ferguson's Ibrox challenge laid bare

Rangers legend Barry Ferguson will need to try and hit the ground running quickly with his first game at the helm coming in two days time against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

And it won't get any easier for the former club captain with Saturday's visit of Motherwell followed by a daunting trip to face Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 clash in 10 days time.

To put things into context, Ferguson's last two games in managment in charge of Alloa ended with a 3-0 defeat to Falkirk and a 3-0 loss to East Fife.

Why Steven Gerrard couldn't join Rangers now

...but still could in the summer.

Barry Ferguson is in the door until the end of the campaign with his all-star Ibrox coaching team - but could Gerrard still be the man to permanently replace Clement?

Rangers favourites in Fergie good luck messages

Jorge Albertz wished Barry Ferguson all the best in his new Ranges gig.

Then cracked a joke over free-kicks.

Replying to Rangers' official Instagram post confirming the former captain as head coach until the summer, he replied: "All the best Barry!! If you need anyone for teaching free-kicks, let me know and I will let Amo know. Good luck"

Michael Mols added: "All the best captain Barry. Good luck."

Barry's first 5 games

The new man will get down to work right away and it is a busy start to life in the dugout.

Kilmarnock away is in just over 48 hours time before a weekend clash with Motherwell.

It is then home and away showdowns with Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce with the Europa League last eight the big prize.

After that, it is the smaller matter of Brendan Rodgers and Celtic at Parkhead.

'We know the conditions up here'

Brendan Rodgers has spoken out on Philippe Clement after his Rangers sacking.

The Celtic gaffer has now seen off his FIFTH Ibrox rival during his two spells in Glasgow after the axe fell on the Belgian last night.

Stewart speaks out on Clement

Patrick Stewart has explained his change over heart over Philippe Clement.

Barry Ferguson is already in the door as Rangers boss on a temporary basis after the Belgian was given the boot from Ibrox.

Ins and outs at Rangers

So as Barry Ferguson and his new team check in - three names head out the door with Philippe Clement.

Alex Rae, Colin Stewart and Stephan van der Heyden all depart Ibrox.

The club thanked the former coaching team for their efforts in a club statement.

Brian Gilmour remains at the club and the ongoing football review will continue behind the scenes.

A timeline for a permanent boss is not set but he will be appointed in 'the coming months'

BREAKING! Ferguson to Rangers confirmed

We broke the exclusive line last night before confirming earlier that a deal with signed-off.

Now Rangers have released official word that Barry Ferguson will lead the team until the summer.

Coaches Issame Charai, Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor make up his backroom team.

Ferguson seals Rangers return as McGregor headlines coaching team

Barry Ferguson has signed off an emotional return to Rangers - with Allan McGregor joining his coaching team.

The Ibrox icon will join Neil McCann and Billy Dodds in the new look backroom team on deals until the end of the season.

The first task will be Wednesday's clash with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Clement in final Rangers visit - day AFTER sack decision

Philippe Clement has been snapped making a final Rangers visit - the morning AFTER he was sacked.

The Belgian was pictured arriving at Auchenhowie before cameras caught him leaving again shortly after alongside Stephan Van Der Hayden.

All 14 of Clement's Rangers transfers ranked against GVB and Beale

Philippe Clement's tenure at Rangers wasn't only blighted by results - but also excuses.

Whether it was irrelevant stats to justify another shambolic result or a TOENAIL costing Rangers a goal at Aberdeen, the Belgian's interviews usually struck a nerve with the Ibrox faithful. But one of the many gripes that needs to be set straight is his perceived lack of funds.

Here, Record Sport examines how Clement's transfer spending stacks up against predecessors Michael Beale and Gio van Bronckhorst as one key fact blows the signing myth away. READ HERE

Rangers heavy hitters descend on training

Rangers chairman Fraser Thornton and fiance chief James Taylor were snapped arriving at Auchenhowie.

The duo were among the big names to arrive at the Rangers Training centre this morning alongside a host of first-team stars including John Souttar and Vaclav Cerny.

It's set to be a whirlwind period with Philippe Clement's successor plan to be ironed out and the small matter of on-field action in just over 48 hours time at Kilmarnock.

McInnes handed major boost ahead of Rangers

Derek McInnes expects to welcome back captain Kyle Vassell back to his Kilmarnock first-team squad this week.

The Killie captain has been out since January when he suffered ankle ligament damage in a game against St Mirren.

It is a big spell coming up for Kilmarnock as they look to try and get back into the fight for the top six, with a home game against Rangers on Wednesday and a trip to Ross County on Saturday.

McInnes confirmed: “Hopefully, we'll get Kyle back to training this week as well. We're not excited, we're getting a wee bit healthier.”

Kilmarnock also expect Kyle Magennis to come back into the reckoning for the Rangers clash

The midfielder missed the weekend defeat at Aberdeen as a precaution.

McInnes confirmed: “He's okay for Wednesday though. We got him scanned on Monday. The scan was clear. He just had a wee bit of swelling in the joint. The cartilage, ligaments, everything was fine.

“We thought he would make training on Friday, but he still had a wee bit of swelling. The journey and everything else, the two games, (Next week all came into my thinking to leave him out of the travelling squad). He’ll be fine for Rangers.”

Kilmarnock find themselves three points off the top six and McInnes wants them to make full use of Rugby Park in the coming games. He still thinks they would need to win four of their remaining six before the split to guarantee back-to-back top half finishes.

He stated: “The squad's getting a bit healthier. Hopefully, it shows in the performances between now and the end of the split.

“We'll not give up on that top six. I’d said before the game, I thought four wins out of seven would cement it.

“I thought three wins would give us a right good chance at it. We've got three home games out of our next five now. Hopefully, we can make the most of that in the coming weeks.”