Rangers have appointed Barry Ferguson as the temporary successor to the dismissed Philippe Clement. The Scottish club, home to Robin Pröpper and former Eredivisie players Cyriel Dessers and Vaclav Cerny, parted ways with Clement over the past weekend.
Rangers have appointed Barry Ferguson as the temporary successor to the dismissed Philippe Clement, entrusting the former club captain with the task of stabilizing the squad during a crucial phase of the season.
The Scottish club, home to Robin Pröpper and former Eredivisie players Cyriel Dessers and Vaclav Cerny, made the decision to part ways with Clement over the past weekend following a disappointing 0-2 home defeat against St. Mirren, a result that further derailed their domestic campaign.
Clement's departure comes amid growing frustration within the club and among supporters, as Rangers have struggled to maintain a consistent challenge for the Scottish Premiership title. The Belgian coach, who took over in October 2023, was brought in to restore Rangers’ dominance but has been unable to close the gap with arch-rivals Celtic. After 27 league matches, Rangers now find themselves thirteen points behind Celtic, a deficit that makes a late title push highly unlikely. With just over two months left in the season, the club’s hierarchy felt a change was necessary to inject new energy into the squad and prevent further setbacks.
Ferguson’s appointment as interim manager is not only a tactical decision but also a symbolic one. The former midfielder is regarded as one of Rangers’ greatest leaders, having spent thirteen seasons over two spells with the club, making over 400 appearances and winning multiple league titles. His deep-rooted connection to Ibrox and his experience as a captain make him a figure capable of rallying the dressing room and restoring confidence within the squad. His leadership qualities were crucial during his playing career, and the club is now banking on those same qualities to help guide the team through a difficult period.
Despite their struggles in the league, Rangers still have an opportunity to salvage their season in the Europa League, where they are set for a high-profile round-of-16 clash against Fenerbahçe, now managed by José Mourinho. This two-legged tie presents Ferguson with an immediate test, as European success could provide some much-needed optimism for the fans and offer a pathway to redemption after their disappointing league campaign. The first leg will be played on March 6, with the return fixture scheduled for March 13, giving Ferguson little time to make adjustments but also presenting a golden opportunity to make an immediate impact.
Ferguson’s coaching career has been largely spent in the lower divisions of Scottish football, with managerial spells at Clyde, Alloa Athletic, and Kelty Hearts. While his experience at the highest level is limited, his understanding of Rangers’ culture and expectations provides a unique advantage. His first match in charge comes in just two days, as Rangers travel for a tough away fixture against Kilmarnock, a game that could set the tone for his tenure. With the title race seemingly out of reach, securing second place and ensuring a strong finish in the league will be among Ferguson’s key priorities.
The decision to hand Ferguson the reins on an interim basis suggests that the Rangers board is already planning for a long-term managerial appointment in the summer. Several names have been linked with the role, and much will depend on how Ferguson handles the remainder of the season. If he can inspire a turnaround and lead Rangers to a deep Europa League run, there could be calls for him to be given the job permanently. However, if the team continues to struggle, the club may opt for an external candidate with more top-level experience.
The coming weeks will be defining for Rangers, both in terms of their European ambitions and their managerial future. Ferguson, once a warrior on the pitch for The Gers, now has the chance to prove himself in the dugout. Whether this is the beginning of a long-term journey for him at Ibrox or just a short-term fix remains to be seen, but for now, the focus is on getting Rangers back on track and giving the supporters something to believe in again.
