Rangers: Barry Ferguson named head coach until end of season following Philippe Clement's sacking
Ex-Gers players Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor also return to Ibrox with Philippe Clement's assistant Issame Charai remaining at club as part of the interim team; watch Kilmarnock vs Rangers live on Sky Sports on Wednesday from 7.15pm, kick-off 8pm
Tuesday 25 February 2025 10:11, UK
Rangers have named former captain Barry Ferguson as their new head coach until the end of the season.
He will be joined by former players Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor who also return to the club as coaches, alongside Issame Charai - who was appointed former boss Philippe Clement's assistant just last month.
Rangers also confirmed a new permanent manager will be appointed in the coming months while the ongoing football review continues.
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Clement was sacked on Sunday after 16 months in charge, with coaches Alex Rae, Colin Stewart and Stephan van der Heyden also departing.
Ferguson won five top-flight titles, five League Cups and five Scottish Cups during his two spells at Ibrox.
As a manager he has had spells at Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa Athletic, as well as being Blackpool caretaker.
His first game in the dugout will be away to Kilmarnock on Wednesday - live on Sky Sports.
Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart said: "Philippe and his team have worked tirelessly during their time at the club and have played an important role in developing the first team's young players.
"I want to reiterate, the issues we are facing run deeper than the manager. The ongoing football review seeks to address those issues, and we will continue to implement its findings in the coming weeks and months ahead of appointing a new, permanent manager.
"When I spoke to RangersTV last week, I was clear that everyone is judged on results, and nobody will get unlimited time in any role at the club. Ultimately, the team's response following their early exit from the Scottish Cup was a cause for deep concern, leading the board to conclude that action had to be taken now.
"I want to wish Philippe every success in the future. He is a fine man whom I have enjoyed working with in my short time here so far.
"I also want to welcome Barry back to the club. We appreciate him and his team stepping into the role at this difficult time. Myself, the board and the executive team will give them our full support for the rest of the campaign."
Boyd: Ferguson will bring leadership
Sky Sports' Kris Boyd thinks appointing Barry Ferguson is a good move:
"I don't think Rangers are going to tie themselves down to something long-term when this takeover is imminent.
"You look at the bigger picture and you say there's nothing to play for, I think self-pride for a lot of players is important. Do they want to be part of the football club going forward?
"You look at the performances recently and the manager will get the blame, but the players have got to shoulder some responsibility as well.
"One thing Barry had as a captain is leadership and I think that's something the football club needs right now. Someone to connect with the fans and guide the players through the hard times."
Naismith: Ferguson right man for job | Clement departure inevitable
Former Rangers striker Steven Naismith on Sky Sports News:
"After the weekend result, it did [feel inevitable Clement would be sacked]. This season, it feels like there has been one crisis after another. Whether it be their league form, of the League Cup against Celtic, where they were probably the better team and that eased pressure slightly.
"But the last couple of bad ones in terms of going out of the Scottish Cup to Championship side Queen's Park and then the result on the weekend seemed really flat and judging from the manager's comments after, it seemed as if it was just a matter of time.
"Barry Ferguson is the best person to come through the Rangers Academy, he has been one of the best players to play for Rangers, so from that side of things, yes [he's the right man for the job], he has managed before, but that was at League One level and in Scottish part-time football, so it is a massive change.
"But the fans in general will be happy that there will be change. There is not much else to play for this season and the main goal will be Europe, where they have a very tough task against Fenerbahce.
"It is about restoring pride and having performances where teams are lucky to get a point and the change will bring that, so it is about performances and bringing that level and standard back to where Rangers fans know it should be."
Rangers' upcoming fixtures:
- February 26: Kilmarnock (A) - Scottish Premiership, live on Sky Sports
- March 1: Motherwell (H) - Scottish Premiership
- March 6: Fenerbahce (A) - Europa League last-16
- March 13: Fenerbahce (H) - Europa League last-16
- March 16: Celtic (A) - Scottish Premiership, live on Sky Sports
- March 29: Dundee (A) - Scottish Premiership, live on Sky Sports
