Barry Ferguson ‘couldn’t turn down’ interim Rangers boss role

Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson said he felt compelled to accept his appointment Monday as interim manager of the Scottish Premiership until the end of the season after the sacking of Philippe Clement.

The Glasgow club announced the Belgian’s departure on Sunday, a day after a 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren.

Second-placed Rangers are 13 points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Premiership and suffered a shock Scottish Cup defeat by Queen’s Park earlier this month.

Ex-Scotland midfielder Ferguson, 47, won multiple trophies at Ibrox during his playing career and has managed Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa.

“When I was asked about this job, it was one I couldn’t turn down,” Ferguson told Rangers TV. “Albeit it is only for three months, but it is my job to go and get a kick out of this group of players.”

He added: “It is all about winning at Rangers. That is how I was brought up, and that is the way I want my players to be.

“You have to win every game with the demands and the expectation put on you here. When people come to watch, they expect you to win games, and I don’t think we have won enough this year.”

Earlier, Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart welcomed Ferguson back during a “difficult time”, adding: “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.”

Clement succeeded Michael Beale in October 2023 and led Rangers to the League Cup trophy two months after his appointment.

The former Club Brugge and Monaco boss briefly hauled Rangers into title contention last season but they eventually finished eight points adrift of Celtic.

The club are on course for a trophyless domestic season but are in the last 16 of the Europa League, with a two-legged tie against Fenerbahce next month.

Ferguson’s first game in the dugout will be Wednesday’s league fixture away to Kilmarnock.