When Barry Ferguson stepped into the dugout as interim manager following Philippe Clement’s departure, few could have predicted the whirlwind that would follow. A club legend, yes—but one with limited top-level managerial experience. Two training sessions and a daunting fixture list later, the former captain has put himself firmly in the conversation to take the Rangers job on a permanent basis.
From Chaos to Control
Ferguson’s start was as bumpy as they come. A wild 4-2 win at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock was followed by a disheartening 2-1 loss at home to Motherwell. Rangers looked like a team in transition, struggling for identity and lacking structure. But then came the European double-header against Fenerbahce.
Barry stuck with Clement’s rigid 4-3-3 formation for those first two games, but it didn’t take long for him to make his mark. For the first leg in Istanbul, Ferguson rolled the tactical dice and deployed a 3-5-2 system. The result? A stunning 3-1 away win against a José Mourinho side—one of Rangers’ most impressive European performances in recent memory.
After Rangers Stun Fenerbahce With Tactical Masterclass – The Job Must Be Finished
The second leg at Ibrox was more cagey. Mourinho had adapted, as he often does, and forced the game to penalties. But with Jack Butland in inspired form and some ice-cold penalties from Rangers’ takers, the Gers made it through to the Europa League quarter-finals. The tactical bravery paid off—and Ferguson took full ownership of the switch, even revealing post-match that some in his staff had felt the change was too soon.
Rangers Edge Fenerbahce in Epic Ibrox Battle to Reach Europa League Quarter-Finals
Old Firm, Old Grit
If Ferguson’s European exploits had raised eyebrows, his return to domestic action at Celtic Park turned heads. With Ibrox still trailing in the league and fatigue from 120 minutes in midweek, many expected a rotated squad and cautious approach.
Instead, Barry went bold again. Only one forced change—Yilmaz for Jefte—and a subtle reshuffle saw Sterling drop into a back three while Tavernier pushed up as a wing-back. The result was electrifying. Rangers raced to a 2-0 first-half lead and, despite Celtic pulling level late on, Hamza Igamane stepped up with a dramatic winner to send the away end into raptures.
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That result made it two wins and a penalty shootout loss in the last three Old Firm games. Despite trailing in the table, Rangers have held the upper hand in the head-to-heads—a shift in mentality that can’t be ignored.
Is Barry Ferguson the Man for the Job?
It’s still early days. Ferguson has certainly inspired fight, tactical flexibility, and belief. But question marks remain about his ability to consistently break down the low block—exactly the kind of challenge Rangers face week in, week out in the Premiership. The trip to Dens Park to face Dundee will be another important test. Can this fluid 3-5-2 shape stretch deep defences as effectively as it stifles European giants?
Then there’s the looming influence of the 49ers Enterprises takeover. With Andrew Cavenagh involved and a potential restructuring at boardroom level, the new owners may have their own ideas about who should lead the club forward. For now, Ferguson can only keep winning and force the conversation.
A Team Effort… But Make No Mistake, Barry’s Calling the Shots
There’s been some talk that the more experienced figures in the coaching setup—Issame Charai, Billy Dodds, Neil McCann, and Allan McGregor—are driving the tactics behind the scenes. And while that coaching group certainly deserves credit, it’s clear Ferguson isn’t just a passenger. His decision to overhaul the formation before the first Fenerbahce leg—despite doubts from his staff—was bold, calculated, and spot-on. That speaks to leadership.
His media interviews have also struck the right tone: passionate but clear-headed, emotionally invested but tactically aware. He speaks like a man who understands Rangers. Because he is Rangers.
Could He Stay On as Assistant?
Some fans have suggested Ferguson might stay on as assistant should the 49ers bring in their own man. But that seems unlikely. Barry has never been one to play second fiddle. When Pedro Caixinha asked him where he saw himself in a few years, Ferguson’s response was famously blunt: “Doing your job.”
Well, now he is. And he’s doing it well.
📝 Final Verdict: Ferguson’s audition is off to a flying start. Big wins, tactical boldness, and leadership qualities that match his playing days. But consistency in the league will determine whether this fairy tale continues beyond the interim period.
📢 Over to You, Gers Fans – Should Barry get the job permanently? Let us know on our socials and don’t forget to follow us for more updates.
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