Barry Ferguson gets next Rangers manager backing after US buyers watch Celtic Park victory
03/16/2025 03:51 PM
Barry Ferguson has led Rangers to a first victory at Celtic Park since 2020 and now one of his former Parkhead rivals is backing him for the manager's job full-time.
Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has been in situ at Ibrox for less than a month since Philippe Clement was sacked from his role as Rangers manager.
In that space of time Ferguson has brought an added resolve to the Rangers team and masterminded impressive results in the Europa League against Fenerbahce and now at Celtic Park.
Chris Sutton reckons it would be a good thing for Celtic if Barry Ferguson is to be named Rangers manager permanently.
But former Parkhead boss Neil Lennon – who did battle with Ferguson plenty as a player – reckons the interim Rangers gaffer is doing enough to put his name in contention.
Neil Lennon back Barry Ferguson as Rangers manager
Neil Lennon was in the Sky Sports studio for Rangers' clash with Celtic and the ex-Parkhead manager was full of praise for the Rangers team.
Lennon branded Rangers' first-half performance as 'outstanding' with the Gers racing into a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande.
Speaking at full-time in a frenetic affair which eventually wound up 3-2, Lennon was asked about Ferguson's managerial credentials.
The Celtic legend took a similar route into the Parkhead manager's seat and had two stints in charge of our Old Firm rivals.
Lennon gave Ferguson, who was a direct midfield rival during their playing days, a vote of confidence and reckons recent performances have done Barry's chances no harm.
"Why not?" Lennon told Sky Sports when asked if Ferguson is a serious candidate for the job.
"He's delivering. They've knocked out Fenerbache over two legs which is no mean feat with Jose Mourinho in the dugout.
"They've come to Celtic Park today, who were imperious at Celtic Park, only lost to Bayern Munich all season.
"And they've come away and won off the back of playing 48, 72 hours earlier in an epic game.
"I think he's positioned himself in the right area to be looked at and it's not just because he's the former Rangers captain.
"It's because tactically they've been very good. They were excellent today first half. The press was brave. They went man-to-man at times. They looked a threat the whole game.
"Even at 2-2 I was never comfortable with Celtic. I know they were trying to force the game, it's a long way back from 2-0.
"You always felt Celtic could do it but defensively I felt at times they just weren't at it today. They got punished.
"As far as Barry is concerned, he can't do a lot more than what he's doing at the minute."
Barry Ferguson responds to Rangers manager questions
Barry Ferguson was also asked about the vacant Rangers manager's hot seat following the impressive victory over Celtic.
Addressing the press come full-time, the legendary former Rangers captain refused to be drawn on the position and insists his focus is on taking things one game at a time.
In fact, if Ferguson is thinking about anything come May, it's a holiday he's got planned with his family.
"I’ve got a contract (until) the end of May," said Ferguson. "I’m not even thinking, if I’m being honest with you.
"I’m thinking just make sure I go on a good run in this group of players, keep trying to improve every single day we’re in training and then come the end of May, I’ll be away on a family holiday."
Rangers manager Ferguson was then asked if he'd like the gig, with the Gers boss insisting he's fully focused on the job at hand.
"I’ve not even thought about it," said Ferguson. "Honestly, if you know me and anybody who’s close to me, I don’t think further ahead in my contract.
"So what I’ve got a job to do is to come in here and sort a few issues, slowly but surely, myself and the coaching staff, and everybody who’s still in at the club, we’re going in the right direction, but there’s still a lot of things that we can improve on as a group of players, but also within the training centre, and that’s something that we’re desperate to do."
With prospective new American investor Andrew Cavenagh in the stands, journalists were persistent with the questions on what happens next.
But the interim Rangers boss wouldn't flinch, despite likely impressing the US businessman.
The Rangers manager shut down one final question: "I know you’re trying to get it out there. Honestly, I have no consideration in carrying on. I’ve got a contract at the end of May. And that’s my only focus. That’s it."
Ferguson was full of praise for his team come full-time but there's one Rangers player who draw criticism from Barry for recent performances.
