Why Barry Ferguson may reject Rangers role after making case to 49ers
Yesterday at 06:30 AM
Barry Ferguson is doing himself no harm in his audition for the Rangers job.
A win over Celtic, especially away from home, will definitely help his cause but so did overcoming Fenerbahce over two legs with another brilliant away performance included.
Ferguson made Brendan Rodgers eat his words after claiming the Gers team looked no different under him and proved he can win the tactical battle in these huge clashes, after doing the same to Jose Mourinho.
Fergie is giving 49ers Enterprises food for thought ahead of their takeover and will continue to strengthen his case if he can win more big games, including against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League and another derby after the split, this time at Gers’ home.
Steven Naismith reckons the interim boss’ credentials are clear to see on the evidence of what he has done so far.
It is something which will continue to be debated between now and the summer.
Could Barry Ferguson stay on as Rangers coach?
It had been assumed from the start that Ferguson wasn’t a long-term option, but he always has the chance of proving that he can handle it.
One other scenario that could be entirely realistic would be for the Rangers legend to stay on in some capacity, as an assistant or coach to a new higher profile, or more experienced, appointment.
But how comfortable would he be making that step down having been in the manager’s shoes himself.
John Mjallby can’t see it, telling Premier Sports: “It’s interesting. I think he’s got a chance now, especially if they do well in big, big games between now and the end of the season.
“I think it’s down to Barry himself. He’s shown that he’s good enough to the new owners.
“Will he then, if another guy comes in, want to be a bit-part or be on the staff?
“I don’t know, I don’t think so. Because he’s now got the smell for being a manager again, he’s manager of a really, really massive club.
“It’s difficult probably to accept only being a number two in the future.
“But anyone who comes in, if it’s not going to be Barry Ferguson, needs to bring his own people in but also have Rangers people around him to get him to understand the club, regardless of who it is.”
Fergie can change 49ers Enterprises’ minds
Michael Stewart reckons the American investors will already have had an idea of the type of manager they want – but doesn’t doubt Fergie can change their minds.
He said: “I've got no doubt, the incoming owners would have in their mind the type of manager they're going for.
"Barry Ferguson's now in interim charge until the end of the season.
"He's got the platform for him to make the case for him to get it and he's certainly making the case at the moment.
"He might not end up getting it, but I'll tell you what, with every passing game, he's building the case and he's banging the drum to say: 'Look, I should be in that conversation'."
