Rangers next manager: ‘I was laughed out of the park over Barry Ferguson, now look’
Rangers could be forced to appoint Barry Ferguson as their permanent manager after his excellent interim spell at Ibrox so far.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson insisted that Ferguson has put himself in pole position to take over at Rangers as his influence is difficult to ignore.
This comes after the interim boss has secured victories against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League and Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic at Parkhead in the last month.
Robinson went on to compare the situation to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign at Man United when he was appointed following a successful interim spell.
Ferguson’s immediate impact on the players and fans at Rangers has been widely praised after recent results, and sections of the fanbase are already calling for him to stay.
The 47-year-old has brought a sense of pride and passion back to Ibrox since his appointment and established himself as a firm candidate for the full-time role.
Rangers to make Derek Ferguson decision as candidates assessed
Rangers have been linked with a number of high-profile managers, the likes of Jose Mourinho, Rafa Benitez and Steven Gerrard, in recent weeks as they look to fill the vacant position.
However, Robinson has insisted that Ferguson is now one of the leading candidates thanks to the results and overall positive impact he has brought during his interim spell.
“My fellow pundits and co-workers laughed me out of the park when I said Barry Ferguson could get the job on a permanent basis,” he told Football Insider.
“I said what if he wins the Old Firm and then he’s on an open-top bus parading the Europa League.
“Look what he’s done so far, he’s re-lit the fire in those Rangers players and let them know and understand what it means to wear that shirt.
“They look like a team full of pride and passion, which they didn’t under Philippe Clement.
“The resilience they showed at home against Fenerbahce, the way they dug in and the spirit they showed, was repeated in the Celtic game.
“Barry Ferguson would not normally be on the list to become Rangers manager. Look at his managerial career – Blackpool, Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa.
“But he and all his backroom staff are Rangers through and through, it’s the pride and passion he’s got, the supporters get him and he gets the club.
“Are they going to end up in an Ole Gunnar Solskjaer situation like what he did at Man United, came in and did a great job so the club were forced to give him the job.
“In normal circumstances, he wouldn’t be given an interview, but look where he’s taken the club when he’s been given the opportunity.
“Has he put himself in the frame? Absolutely, he’s in pole position now.”
Ibrox managerial plan decided by 49ers Enterprises takeover
As the managerial search continues at Ibrox, former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Rangers want to appoint a big-name manager.
49ers Enterprises are edging towards their Rangers takeover, and are expected to play a big role in the final decision about Clement’s successor.
The prospective new owners are expected to take a broader view of the situation and will not rush into knee-jerk decisions which have previously been made at Ibrox.
Instead, they are set to assess a number of candidates before making an informed decision about who will be chosen to guide the next stage of their plans.
For more Rangers and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.