Barry Ferguson Steps in as Rangers' Interim Head Coach After Clement's Dismissal

2025-03-03

Rangers have appointed their former captain Barry Ferguson as interim head coach until the end of the season, following the dismissal of Philippe Clement. The decision comes after a 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren left Rangers 13 points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, compounding a season of disappointment that included an early exit from the Scottish Cup at the hands of Championship side Queen’s Park.

Ferguson, a club legend with five league titles and 15 trophies across two spells at Ibrox, will be supported by a coaching team including former Rangers players Neil McCann, Billy Dodds, and Allan McGregor, as well as Issame Charai, who previously assisted Clement. The 47-year-old, who last managed Alloa Athletic in 2021, admitted the opportunity came as a surprise, stating, “I thought it would never come,” but emphasised his determination to “get a kick out of this group of players.”

Clement’s departure after 16 months in charge was confirmed on Sunday, with Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart acknowledging the decision was driven by poor results and a lack of progress. Stewart stressed that the club’s issues extend beyond the manager, with an ongoing football review aimed at addressing deeper structural problems. Talks are also underway with a United States-led consortium, including Paraag Marathe of 49ers Enterprises, regarding a potential multi-million-pound investment.

Ferguson’s immediate challenge will be to steady the ship, with Rangers facing Kilmarnock, Motherwell, and a Europa League last-16 tie against Fenerbahce in the coming weeks. The interim boss, who has previously managed Clyde, Kelty Hearts, and Alloa, will aim to restore confidence in a squad that has struggled for consistency this season. While his tenure is initially set for three months, the club plans to appoint a permanent manager in the summer.

Rangers put former captain Barry Ferguson in charge until end of season

Rangers have placed their former captain Barry Ferguson in charge of first-team affairs until the end of the season

www.theguardian.com

Former Rangers favourite to immediately replace Philippe Clement as manager

Rangers have sacked Philippe Clement as their manager with Barry Ferguson set to take over until the end of the season. The Scottish side have parted

talksport.com

Barry Ferguson 'thought Rangers manager job would never come'

Former captain Barry Ferguson expresses surprise at being asked to take charge of Rangers until the end of the season following manager Philippe Cleme

www.bbc.co.uk

Barry Ferguson 'thought Rangers manager job would never come'

Former captain Barry Ferguson expresses surprise at being asked to take charge of Rangers until the end of the season following manager Philippe Cleme

www.bbc.com

Rangers next manager hunt – RECAP

The Belgian is gone and now a club icon is on the verge of answering an SOS until the end of the season

www.dailyrecord.co.uk

Barry Ferguson as Rangers manager branded 'strange' by surprised Arsenal icon

RANGERS are on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Philippe Clement. But an Arsenal legend reckons giving Barry Ferguson the interim gig would be

www.thescottishsun.co.uk