Exclusive: Rangers eye Barry Ferguson for permanent job after major reaction

Rangers’ strong showing in Europe under Barry Ferguson could now see him become permanent manager at Ibrox this summer.

Having sacked Philippe Clement in February, the appointment of Ferguson at Ibrox was seen as an underwhelming move by some given his managerial history, even if he was just a short-term option until the end of the season.

However, whilst there have been some poor results in the league, the Bears’ form in Europe was a pleasant surprise, with the Scot generating a clear response from a squad increasingly sinking without a trace under his predecessor.

Rangers bested Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on penalties before narrowly being knocked out after a 2-0 loss to Athletic Club.

Even then, the Bears were mightily unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty after Cyriel Dessers had his shirt ripped down the middle.

Barry Ferguson amongst names like Steven Gerrard, Russel Martin considered for Rangers job

Whilst Ferguson has impressed in his short spell in charge, there are plenty of high profile managers reportedly being considered for the role.

Steven Gerrard has been perennially linked with a return to Rangers since leaving in 2021, but now the former Liverpool man is unemployed, the timing may work well for him and the Bears.

Ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin has also been linked to take over at Ibrox, and whilst his side were miserable in the Premier League this season, they did impress in the Championship last year.

However, all three coaches may be forced to exercise patience, given the fact that it looks unlikely Rangers will hire their next manager until a resolution is reached on the 49ers Enterprises-Andrew Cavenagh takeover bid.

Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe are leading a consortium to buy out the current shareholders at Ibrox, but given the number of different minority owners, progress has been slower than many had hoped.

But the impact that Ferguson has had in demanding the same “high quality” he insisted on as a captain at Ibrox is thought likely to have put his name in the frame for the full-time job, according to former Gers defender Alan Hutton.

Barry Ferguson ‘in the discussion’ for Rangers job says Alan Hutton

Little was expected of Ferguson when he was appointed as Rangers’ boss earlier in the season, but his former teammate and ex-Rangers star Hutton told Football Insider exclusively, via NewBettingOffers.co.uk, that the 47-year-old has done enough to be in with a chance of taking over on a full-time basis, saying: “Yeah, look, he’s got a reaction from the group. There’s no question about that.

“I think I know him and what he was like as a player; he always challenges you, and he’s a leader. He expects high quality from everybody, and I think that’s what he’s got.

“Probably the side that’s maybe not been as good is the kind of tactical side of it. I know that he’s kind of found a formation that works, but they have been leaking goals, which hasn’t been ideal.

“That being said, European competition, I think it suits what he has, where they can sit back a little bit deeper, they’ve got pace on the counter, and he’s got a lot out of them.

“So, for that fact, there is an opportunity; he’s in charge at this moment in time, so he’s going to want to finish the season strong, and if he can do that, then his name will be in the hat, I’m pretty sure.

“Then it’s down to the powers in charge. Where do they see the club moving in the future? And I’m sure he’ll be in the discussion, but look, they might want to look at something else as well, someone that’s got that experience to take to the next level.”