Rangers Fans Run Out of Patience with Barry Ferguson After He Publicly Aims Dig at His Own Player
Glasgow Rangers, one of Scotland’s most storied football clubs, has been grappling with a turbulent 2024-25 season, and interim manager Barry Ferguson is feeling the heat. The former Ibrox captain, who stepped into the managerial hotseat in February 2025 following Philippe Clement’s departure, has been a polarizing figure among the Light Blues faithful. While his appointment was initially met with cautious optimism due to his legendary status as a player, recent events have seen Rangers fans’ patience wearing thin. The tipping point? A scathing public critique of goalkeeper Jack Butland, which has sparked outrage and reignited debates about Ferguson’s suitability for the role.
Ferguson, appointed as interim boss until the end of the season, was tasked with restoring pride and consistency to a side that had lost its way under Clement. His passionate rhetoric and promise of an “aggressive, attack-minded” style initially galvanized supporters, who saw him as a “bluenose” who understood the club’s ethos. However, seven weeks into his tenure, the 47-year-old’s inexperience as a top-flight manager and questionable man-management decisions have begun to overshadow his early successes.
The Flashpoint: Ferguson’s Dig at Butland
The controversy erupted following Rangers’ 2-0 defeat to Hibernian at Ibrox, a match that exposed the team’s defensive vulnerabilities yet again. Dylan Levitt’s opening goal, a fizzing strike from the edge of the box, squirmed under Butland’s body in what was described as a “brutal blunder.” In his post-match press conference, Ferguson didn’t hold back, singling out Butland for criticism in a manner that shocked fans and pundits alike. “The goalkeeper doesn’t inspire confidence,” Ferguson fumed, adding, “That was a bad mistake, and it’s not the first. We can’t keep conceding goals like that.” His comments, reported widely by outlets like Rangers News and BBC Sport, were seen as a direct attack on a player who, despite recent struggles, has been a key figure for the club with a respectable 65% save percentage this season.
Ferguson’s decision to publicly call out Butland, rather than address the issue privately, was a step too far for many Rangers supporters. On platforms like X and Reddit, fans vented their frustrations, accusing Ferguson of throwing his player under the bus. One X post, which garnered hundreds of retweets, read: “Barry Ferguson hanging Jack Butland out to dry in public is a disgrace. You don’t do that to your own player, especially not a keeper who’s carried us at times. He’s lost the plot. #FergieOut.” Another fan on Reddit’s r/ScottishFootball community commented, “Ferguson was a cracking player, but as a manager, he’s a liability. Slating Butland like that shows he’s got no clue how to manage a dressing room. Time’s up.”
The backlash against Ferguson stems from several factors. First, his public criticism of Butland is seen as a betrayal of the team unity he promised to foster. Rangers fans, already bruised by a season of underperformance, expect their manager to shield players from external criticism, not add to it. Butland, despite his recent errors, has 23 clean sheets in the Premiership since joining in 2023 and was a fan favorite last season. Many supporters feel Ferguson’s comments were unnecessarily harsh, especially given the team’s collective defensive issues, including poor performances from defenders like Clinton Nsiala and James Tavernier.
Second, Ferguson’s managerial track record is under scrutiny. His previous stints at Clyde, Kelty Hearts, and Alloa Athletic were marked by mixed results, with his resignation from Alloa in February 2022 coming after a dismal run of one win in 11 games. Critics argue that his lack of top-tier experience is showing, with tactical naivety and poor in-game management evident in losses like the Hibs debacle. Fans point to his decision to hook young defender Nsiala after just 30 minutes against Kilmarnock as another example of questionable judgment, even though he later claimed to have reassured the player privately.
With only five Premiership games left in the season, Ferguson has vowed to “finish strong” and restore pride to the Rangers badge. His immediate challenge is a trip to Dundee, a venue where Rangers have struggled recently, followed by a daunting clash against Celtic on May 3, 2025. A positive result in either match could buy him some goodwill, but another public outburst or tactical blunder could seal his fate.
For now, the focus is on repairing the damage caused by his comments about Butland. Sources close to the club suggest Ferguson has spoken privately with the goalkeeper to clear the air, but the incident has left a mark. Fans are also watching closely to see how he handles other underperforming players, such as striker Cyriel Dessers, who has missed numerous chances despite scoring 23 goals this season.
As Rangers limp toward the end of a trophyless season, the pressure is on Ferguson to prove he can unite the squad and rally the supporters. His dream of securing the permanent managerial role is fading, with many believing he’ll return to his ambassadorial role once his interim stint ends. For Rangers fans, the hope is that the club’s prospective new owners will bring stability and a clear vision, ending the cycle of disappointment that has defined this campaign.
In the cauldron of Scottish football, where emotions run high and loyalty is everything, Barry Ferguson’s latest misstep has cost him dearly. Once a hero, he now faces the daunting task of winning back a fanbase that has run out of patience. Whether he can do so before the season’s end remains to be seen, but one thing is clear.
