The Rangers SOS has been answered by club legends – but Barry Ferguson and his team’s arrival at Ibrox has set the Hotline ablaze.
The Record Sport columnist has been joined by Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor following Philippe Clement’s exit and Gers and Celtic fans reckon it could either be a masterstroke or a complete disaster. Willie Mercer, Dumfries, said: “They all knew and embraced the demands of playing for Rangers and understood the honour it was to represent the club at any level or in any capacity, and who demanded of everyone around them, the same drive and commitment for success.
“As Rangers supporters we have seen an erosion of standards on and off the park, and feel that having people of the ilk of those mentioned within the club structure will raise the standards to the heights demanded and expected.”
Dougie Lawrence emailed: “Team talk in the away dressing room at Kilmarnock on Wednesday? Will the anticipated, hoped for, vast improvement from Rangers, happen after players hear Barry warning about wearing the blue shirt, what playing for Rangers means, what he used to feel like when he pulled on the shirt? We’ll see.”
But Philip Borland, via email, said: “What a terrible decision putting ex-players in to manage the team for the rest of season.
“Not one of them has a clue about management. This is just the board trying to keep fans happy and some of them are falling for it already. Nothing is going to change at Rangers until they get rid of the first team but the trouble is, no one would want to buy any of our players.”
Frank Jackson emailed: “One has to despair at the shambles that is Rangers FC. They rightly got rid of the manager but this board embarrassed themselves further by making Ferguson interim with a bunch that have no credibility other than they played for the club. It’s pandering to the ‘we arra people’ brigade and they might as well have handed the job to John Brown. From embarrassment to total humiliation.”
Arrin Geddes, Irvine, said: “As a Celtic fan I’m obviously disappointed in Clement’s departure but Patrick Stewart’s sojourn into the ‘staunch vault’ for a replacement feels like a huge own goal. The Rangers fans I’ve spoken to in the last 24 hours are questioning the coaching credentials of the legends. Interesting.”
Celts poked fun at the move and Cammy Murray, Leven, said: “I see the Americans have a big influence already over at Ibrox, seeing as they have employed the four biggest Rangers cheerleaders about.”
Neil Renton, Leith, said: “Rangers bringing in their temporary management team is the most Back To The Future appointment in football history ever. What next? Doc Brown as head of sports science? Marty McFly in charge of driving the team bus?
Sean McGarvey, Cumbernauld, said: “Now that the Rangers are in the capable hands of the Sportscene crew. “What’s next? Broxi Bear in charge of transfers? The banter years continue. Cheers for the laugh Rangers.”
But Gordon Lyon, Bearsden, said: “The problems at Rangers are much deeper than just who stands on the touch line. Long standing systemic failure is deep rooted in the club and four band aids won’t stem the bleeding. The US dollars can’t come quick enough but it will not be a quick fix.”
Celtic weren’t happy with the goal that never was at Easter Road at the weekend. And Mark McManus, Purley, said: “Good to see Celtic question VAR with the powers that be. If VAR is going to succeed – I have my doubts – challenges to controversial decisions can only benefit all clubs. This is not a Scottish issue as you only need to look down the road where poor decisions are being made despite the technology being far superior.”
While Peter Cooperwhite hit back and said: “So Arne Engels reckons VAR is a farce. I agree with him – does the League Cup Final jog any memories for you Arne?”