Club legend Barry Ferguson has rubber-stamped an emotional return to Rangers – with Allan McGregor added as part of his box-office coaching team.
Record Sport understands the Ibrox icon was desperate to secure the goalkeeping icon who joins Neil McCann and Billy Dodds on a deal until the end of the season. Ferguson and his three trusted lieutenants succeed Philippe Clement and are tasked with leading the Scottish Premiership side for the first time during Wednesday’s clash with Kilmarnock. And in a quirk of fate, Ferguson will be up against Derek McInnes, the man who was turned down Dave King. The entire coaching staff will be at the Rangers Training Centre, preparing for the Killie game while also meeting senior players. Ferguson will also attempt to navigate the mouthwatering Europa League last 16 clash with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
Aclub statement reads: “Rangers Football Club can today announce Hall of Fame member and former club captain, Barry Ferguson, is to become Head Coach of our men’s first team until the end of the season. Ferguson, who won five league titles, five Scottish Cups and five League Cups across two spells at Ibrox, will be joined by coaches Issame Charai, Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor.
“As confirmed yesterday, Philippe Clement is leaving the club. In addition, Alex Rae, Colin Stewart and Stephan van der Heyden are also departing. Rangers FC would like to thank Philippe, Alex, Colin and Stephan for their contribution and commitment. They will always be welcome at the club.
“Brian Gilmour will remain with Rangers to continue to bridge the gap between the academy and the first-team. The ongoing football review will continue, and a new, permanent manager will be appointed in the coming months.”
The legendary captain and McGregor played together during a successful stint at Rangers – with the iconic Ibrox goalkeeper hanging up his gloves in 2023 after his second spell with the club. He racked up more than 500 appearances for the club and is widely considered one of the club’s greatest ever shot-stoppers.
Chief exec Patrick Stewart said: “Philippe and his team have worked tirelessly during their time in at the club and have played an important role in developing the first team’s young players. 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.”