Why Barry Ferguson is the perfect manager to save Rangers’ chaotic season
Barry Ferguson could be making a much quicker return to Rangers than expected after just four months in charge last season.
Rangers sacked Philippe Clement after just 86 games in charge, and despite recording a 64 per cent win rate, fans were furious with him as the Gers continued to struggle against their Old Firm rivals, Celtic.
Having been knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Queen’s Park and after losing to St Mirren, that was the final straw for the Dutch manager, with Ferguson being brought straight in to replace him.
He was immediately greeted by a positive fanbase, having become a Gers legend during his time as a player, and it quickly became clear that his leadership skills translated to the pitch.
Barry Ferguson could make a dramatic return to Ibrox
Despite going 2-0 down to Kilmarnock during his first game in charge, the Light Blues fought back with goals from Vaclav Cerny, Cyriel Dessers, and Nedim Bajrami. They were playing like a team.
His tactics were not without their flaws, but after beating the Hoops at their own stadium, many supporters were beginning to be convinced that he would be kept on permanently.
That was not to be, sadly. Jose Mourinho was tipped for the Rangers job, as was Steven Gerrard, and the Liverpool legend is now being linked back at Ibrox again.
| Barry Ferguson at Rangers | Games played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win % |
| 2024-25 | 15 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 40 |
Now, the club are searching for a replacement for Russell Martin, who lasted just 123 days in the job, leaving the Light Blues eighth in the Scottish Premiership table after seven games.
For what Ferguson lacked in experience, he certainly made up for in passion, communication, desire, and pride to put the club that he loves back where they once were.
Ferguson’s lack of experience should not be feared
After confirming the end of his very short tenure, he described the opportunity as an “enormous honour”, always putting himself in the fans’ shoes to imagine what decision he should be making [BBC Sport].
No other manager could be as in-tune with the Gers as he can be. He is never afraid to call out whichever manager is in charge, and fans often find themselves agreeing with what he has to say.
By no means would bringing the former midfielder back solve every single problem. The issues begin much higher up at Ibrox, but having the right figure in the dugout would be a good start.
Ferguson is honest, hard-working, dedicated, and truly knows what is going on in the minds of fans. Because he is one.