‘I thought Rangers manager job would never come’ – Ferguson

Scottish Premiership: Kilmarnock v Rangers

Venue: Rugby Park, Kilmarnock Date: Wednesday, 26 February Time: 20: 00 GMT

After being appointed Rangers’ head coach until the end of the season, Barry Ferguson admits that “I thought it would never come.”

Former Rangers and Scotland team-mates Neil McCann, Billy Dodds, and Allan McGregor will join the 47-year-old former club captain in a coaching staff that will also include Issame Charai, who provided Clement’s assistance.

Ferguson was previously in charge of Alloa Athletic when it was three years ago, but he will now take over the team, which sits second in the Scottish Premiership for the first time on Wednesday away from Kilmarnock.

Rangers announced the formation of a new management team and confirmed the departures of coaches Alex Rae, Colin Stewart, and Stephan van der Heyden.

Ferguson, who was a club ambassador while out of coaching, told Rangers TV he realises “it is only for three months” but stressed: “It is my job to get a kick out of this group of players because, when I watched them, I think there are really good players there.

Clement left the Glasgow club on Sunday, one day after Rangers fell to Celtic by 2-0 at home.

Ferguson’s return to the club was welcomed by Patrick Stewart, but the chief executive of Rangers once more reaffirmed that “the issues we are facing run deeper than the manager.”

After Rangers’ shock Scottish Cup home defeat by second-tier Queen’s Park, Stewart had earlier said the same thing last week, backing Clement. However, his side eventually lost to Heart of Midlothian, which was then their fate, and lost two in a row at Ibrox sealed the Belgian’s fate.

“When I spoke to RangersTV last week, I made it clear that no one will get an unrestricted amount of time in any role at the club,” Stewart said.

The board came to the decision that action needed to be taken right away in light of the team’s reaction to their early exit from the Scottish Cup.

Stewart, meanwhile, wished Clement success in the future and described him as” a fine man”.

Ferguson previously managed Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa, while McCann, 50, has had spells in charge of Dundee and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Dodds, 56, was Ross County assistant and later managed Inverness, while goalkeeper McGregor, 43, had two spells with Rangers.

Ferguson’s response to Ferguson was “We appreciate him and his team stepping into the role at this difficult time.”

McCann and the former Rangers midfielder won five league titles and 15 trophies in two seasons, helping the club to win two domestic titles.

McCann won nine gold medals during his time playing for Ibrox, three of which were in the top flight, and former Rangers forward Dodds won all three of their major domestic awards once. The trio, who won a combined 97 international caps, have worked as media pundits of late.

McGregor’s first spell at Rangers coincided with Ferguson’s second stint and the ex-goalkeeper won 13 medals with Rangers and 42 Scotland caps. In 2023, he left Rangers without a contract.

Before the March international break, Rangers will play both legs of their Europa League last-16 tie against Fenerbahce on Saturday (15:00), as well as an away league game against Celtic.

Fenerbahce host Rangers on 6 March, with the return at Ibrox seven days later.

What are the latest news’ opinions of Rangers supporters?