‘Rangers to appoint big-name manager – forget Barry Ferguson, we’re talking dramatic’
Barry Ferguson has strengthened his case to land the Rangers job permanently after back-to-back successes against Fenerbahce and Celtic.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (17 March) that Ferguson, 47, has “given himself every chance” to be in the thinking as Ibrox chiefs plot a permanent appointment.
He has taken charge of five games so far, winning three and losing two – including one defeat against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.
Ferguson replaced Philippe Clement at Rangers at the end of February on an interim basis.
But Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has insisted the former Gers midfielder is “not the right fix”.
Rangers will be ‘shopping in a completely different market’ after 49ers takeover
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted Rangers will be looking at appointing a “big name” after the 49ers Enterprises takeover.
The 49ers-backed takeover at Ibrox is progressing following widespread reports claiming a deal has now been agreed in principle.
| Games | 5 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Losses | 2 |
| Goals (For / Against) | 14 / 11 |
| Win Percentage | 60% |
Wyness insisted Ferguson should not be appointed for the “dramatic rebuild” which lies ahead at Rangers.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “This is what is getting Rangers in trouble, knee-jerk reactions to results.
“You’ve got to take a much broader view.
“The 49ers will do a deep data dive and decide what qualities in a manager they need. It’s got to be a much more strategic view for the long term.
“It isn’t just about getting the Rangers blood beating in the hearts, as he has done with these players.
“It was a great result in Europe, fair play to him. A result at Celtic Park will never go amiss.
“But a couple of good results doesn’t mean you’re the right one and have the right team with you to be the long-term solution.
“We’re talking about a dramatic rebuild.
“While Barry won’t have done himself any harm, I don’t think he’s the right fix.
“I think Rangers will be shopping in a completely different market for managers than they have before.
“Watch this space – we could be looking at some big names.”
Igamane attracting Everton interest
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Friday (14 March) that Everton could sign Rangers star Hamza Igamane in the summer transfer window.
Everton are expected to face stiff competition as European outfits Marseille and Sevilla are also keeping tabs on the centre-forward’s progress.
Igamane scored the winner against Celtic on Sunday (16 March) – one of 14 strikes across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign.
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