Ally McCoist Questions Barry Ferguson’s Shock Rangers Role After a New Manager Appointment
Rangers legend Ally McCoist has expressed disbelief over Barry Ferguson’s decision to accept a surprising role at Ibrox, mere days after the club confirmed Russell Martin as their new permanent manager. The unexpected move has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with McCoist, a club icon, not holding back in his critique of the former captain’s choice.
Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist described Ferguson’s decision as “left-field” and questioned the timing, given the recent appointment of Martin, who replaced interim boss Ferguson following a turbulent 2024/25 season. Ferguson, who stepped in after Philippe Clement’s sacking in February, had been tasked with steadying the ship until the season’s end. Despite a mixed record, including a 2-2 draw against Aberdeen and Europa League elimination, Ferguson’s interim stint showed promise, but McCoist believes accepting a new role—reportedly within the coaching setup—under Martin was a risky move.
“I’m stunned Barry’s taken this on,” McCoist said. “He did a decent job as interim, but with Russell Martin now in charge, it’s a bold call to stay on. The new owners will want their own structure, and I’m not sure where Barry fits.” McCoist, while supportive of Ferguson’s passion for Rangers, highlighted the challenges of transitioning from interim manager to a supporting role, especially with the San Francisco 49ers-backed consortium finalizing their takeover.
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‘It saddens me’ – Rangers star LEAVES club without chance to say goodbye and claims he ‘wasn’t afforded opp… Jonathon Moar 4 – 5 minutes He’s vowed to return to the club in the future Published: 9:50, 20 May 2025 Updated: 9:50, 20 May 2025 IT’S going to be a summer of big changes at Rangers. And one long-serving star has confirmed he’s on his way OUT of the club this summer. Rangers players celebrating with the SPFL Premiership trophy. 3 Leon Balogun won the Scottish Premiership title with RangersCredit: The Sun Leon Balogun of Rangers applauding at a football match. 3 He appears to have played his last game for the clubCredit: SNS With the US takeover of Rangers close to completion, a new sporting director in place and a new manager on the brink of being appointed, it’s going to be all things change at Ibrox. Alongside the off-field changes, there’s likely to be a significant amount of upheaval with regards to the playing squad as well. Loan star Vaclav Cerny already appears to have said his goodbye while other players’ contracts are coming to an end. One of those is veteran defender Leon Balogun. READ MORE RANGERS STORIES A popular figure with players and fans alike, the Nigeria international will turn 37 next month. He initially joined Rangers from Wigan in 2020 and went on to be a part of the side that won the Scottish Premiership title under Steven Gerrard in 2021. Balogun’s deal expired in 2022 and there was considerable surprise that he wasn’t afforded a new one. After a season with QPR, he returned to Rangers in July 2023 on a one-year contract. Despite injury setbacks and his advancing years, Balogun continued to prove himself a consistent and reliable performer. He earned another one-year contract but it looks like a third year will NOT be forthcoming. Kris Boyd says Rangers players were in SHOCK that ‘ghost goal’ against Hibs wasn’t given Balogun – who stated his desire to stay at Rangers just last week – appears to have confirmed his exit in an emotional message. The lengthy and frank post on social media also sees Balogun bemoan the fact he doesn’t believe he was afforded the opportunity to say a proper goodbye – going so far to say it SADDENS him. The defender, who has declared himself a Rangers fan, vowed ‘not to be a stranger’ in the future. On Instagram, Balogun said: “It’s that time again. “No caption could summarise all that is going through my mind as I’m writing these lines. “It’s been nothing short of an honour, a pleasure and a great, great privilege to represent this massive club – twice! “So many memories, good ones as well as a few tough ones. “But it’s the latter especially that made my love for the club grow even stronger. “The moments when we all stuck together and went again – no matter the disappointment or frustration. In these moments the club revealed what makes it most special: YOU. “The people supporting us week in week out, near and far, demanding, expecting, pushing us to do better and go for glory. “The people working for the club behind the scenes, meeting us with a smile everyday, doing their absolute best to contribute to the success of the club in their own way. You’re the heartbeat of the club and it’s been an honour to represent you! “If I would have known that the last two games of the season were my last for the club I would have made sure to say goodbye to all of you accordingly. “Unfortunately I wasn’t afforded that opportunity which saddens me as I would have liked to have walked round Ibrox one last time and returned all the love and support you’ve given me during my 2 stints. “I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I promise I won’t be a stranger. “Thank you for making me feel at home and appreciated wherever we met. “You’ve become more than just my club, you’ve become family. “And for that I will be forever grateful.” Read more on the Scottish Sun Rangers’ search for a new manager, meanwhile, is nearing a close. SunSport exclusively revealed last night that Steven Gerrard and Russell Martin are the two candidates going head-to-head to become the next Light Blues boss. Soccer player Leon Balogun in uniform, applauding. 3 Balogun posted his goodbye on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM/@LEONBALOGUN Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
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Martin, formerly of Southampton, was named Rangers’ manager on June 3, 2025, with the club desperate to close the gap on rivals Celtic, who lead the Scottish Premiership by 15 points. McCoist urged the new ownership to clarify their vision, warning that Ferguson’s inclusion could complicate Martin’s plans. “Russell needs his own team to succeed. Barry’s a legend, but this feels like a step backward,” he added.
Ferguson, a five-time league winner with Rangers, has remained tight-lipped, though sources suggest he sees the role as a chance to stay involved with his boyhood club. As Rangers prepare for pre-season and a crucial Champions League qualifier, McCoist’s comments reflect the uncertainty surrounding Ibrox. Will Ferguson’s decision pay off, or will it add to the chaos of a club in transition? Only time will tell.
