Barry Ferguson’s tenure as interim manager of Rangers has sparked a significant amount of discussion, both for his achievements and the hurdles he still faces as he strives to make his case for the permanent managerial role at Ibrox. His impact in high-profile games, particularly in the Old Firm derby and in European competition, has garnered attention, but Ferguson’s overall record remains mixed, and questions remain about his ability to guide Rangers through the remaining challenges of the season. With a potential US takeover on the horizon and uncertainty surrounding the club’s long-term direction, Ferguson’s future at Rangers is far from secure.
Since taking charge as interim manager, Ferguson has shown that he has the tactical acumen to motivate and inspire his players in crucial matches. One of his standout achievements has been the 3-1 away win over Fenerbahce in the Europa League, a result that set the stage for a thrilling victory on penalties at Ibrox. European competitions are of immense importance to Rangers, and Ferguson’s ability to orchestrate such a key victory has certainly added to his credentials. The Old Firm victory at Celtic Park, which ended Rangers’ five-year wait for an away win against their Glasgow rivals, was another impressive feat that showcased Ferguson’s potential as a manager in high-pressure situations. In these high-profile encounters, Ferguson’s ability to get the best out of his players has been clear, and he has certainly earned the respect of some supporters and pundits alike.
However, despite these significant victories, Ferguson’s overall record as interim manager has not been entirely spotless. His Rangers side has struggled in certain domestic fixtures, where they have been unable to impose themselves consistently against teams that they should be beating. This inconsistency has led to concerns about his readiness for the full-time job. Ferguson has taken charge of six matches so far, securing four wins but suffering two defeats—both at home—against Motherwell and Fenerbahce. While his away record has been commendable, with victories against Kilmarnock, Fenerbahce, Dundee, and Celtic, the home defeats are particularly concerning. These results highlight the issues that Ferguson must address if he is to demonstrate his managerial credentials in a more consistent manner.
Perhaps the most worrying aspect of Ferguson’s tenure has been the team’s vulnerability in defense. Rangers have conceded two or more goals in five of the six matches under his stewardship, which is simply not good enough for a club with ambitions of competing for domestic titles and progressing in European competition. The defense has been porous, and Ferguson himself has admitted that he needs to “get to the bottom” of the team’s slow starts and lack of control in matches. His recognition of these issues is an important first step, but whether he can resolve them quickly enough to salvage Rangers’ domestic season remains to be seen. Rangers’ inability to control games and the need for constant comebacks in away matches—such as their 4-2 win over Kilmarnock and their 4-3 victory at Dundee—suggests that the team’s overall balance and structure are still a work in progress.
These issues raise an important question: can Ferguson, a man who has never previously managed a top-flight team on a permanent basis, be the one to bring stability to Rangers in the long term? The expectations at Ibrox are enormous, and while Ferguson’s legendary status as a former Rangers captain gives him significant clout, it’s his managerial abilities that will ultimately determine whether he can succeed in the role. His record in domestic league matches, particularly against lower-tier sides, has been mixed at best. Although his side has secured impressive wins in high-profile matches, such as the Old Firm derby, Rangers have not been able to string together the kind of consistent, dominant performances that are expected of a club of their stature. The fact that Ferguson’s Rangers have been involved in such high-scoring games, where they often have to come from behind, speaks to a deeper issue with the team’s mentality, defensive organization, and overall balance.
Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday has been one of the most vocal critics of Ferguson’s bid for the permanent role. Halliday, who knows the pressures of managing at Rangers, has expressed doubt about whether Ferguson will be able to secure the job full-time, particularly with the potential for change looming in the background with the US takeover by 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh. However, Halliday does believe that Ferguson can strengthen his case with a strong finish to the season. For Halliday, the key factors that will determine whether Ferguson can become the next permanent Rangers manager are threefold: progression in the Europa League, securing an Old Firm win at Ibrox, and delivering strong performances in the remaining domestic fixtures.
The Europa League run could prove crucial for Ferguson’s prospects. If he can guide Rangers to a semi-final or even a final appearance, it would significantly boost his managerial credentials, especially in Europe. Rangers have a storied history in European competitions, and Ferguson’s ability to manage in these high-stakes matches could play a critical role in cementing his status as a potential permanent manager. Additionally, with the upcoming Old Firm derby set to take place at Ibrox, a win in this fixture would go a long way in solidifying his position. Given Rangers’ recent struggles at Celtic Park, securing a home win would be a massive statement from Ferguson, proving that he can deliver the goods in the most intense of situations.
Finally, Ferguson must demonstrate that he can get his side to perform consistently in domestic matches. With eight league games remaining, Rangers will need to win almost all of them if they are to remain competitive in the league title race. Securing victories against teams like Kilmarnock, Motherwell, and Dundee—opponents that Rangers should be beating comfortably—will be vital for Ferguson to prove that he can deliver on the bread-and-butter fixtures. If Ferguson can guide Rangers through this stretch with consistent, dominant performances, it will be hard for the club’s hierarchy to overlook him when it comes time to appoint a permanent manager.
The uncertainty surrounding the US takeover complicates matters further for Ferguson. If 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh take full control of Rangers, they may decide to bring in their own man to implement a different vision for the club, regardless of Ferguson’s achievements. This potential change in ownership means that Ferguson could face a situation where his performance is assessed not only by his results on the field but also by how well his approach aligns with the new owners’ long-term plans for Rangers. Ferguson’s current run as interim manager has been a bit of a mixed bag, and whether he can secure the permanent job will likely depend on how well he can balance European ambitions with domestic consistency.
Despite these challenges, Ferguson remains committed to proving himself. He has shown that he can motivate his players in key matches, and his leadership in the high-profile victories over Celtic and Fenerbahce has given Rangers fans something to be hopeful about. However, as Halliday suggests, Ferguson must now prove that he can fix the issues in the team’s defensive organization, control games more effectively, and maintain consistency throughout the remainder of the season. If he can do so, Ferguson may yet become the 20th permanent manager of Rangers. However, with competition for the job and the uncertainty surrounding the potential takeover, Ferguson will need to deliver in the coming weeks to prove that he is the right man to lead Rangers forward into the future.
In conclusion, Ferguson’s chances of securing the permanent Rangers manager role hinge on several key factors. While his impact in big games has been notable, the challenge now lies in addressing the team’s defensive frailties, improving consistency in domestic fixtures, and securing strong results in both the league and European competition. His ability to do so in the remaining months of the season will determine whether he can make a compelling enough case to be handed the reins at Ibrox on a full-time basis. If he can achieve the necessary results and demonstrate the managerial qualities required to succeed at such a high-profile club, Ferguson could yet prove that he is the right man to lead Rangers back to glory.