Rangers announce Barry Ferguson as new head coach and...

RANGERS have appointed club legend Barry Ferguson as head coach until the end of the season. And he will be assisted by a trio of Ibrox heroes. SunSport broke the news as Gers made the move to sack Philippe Clement last night after a tumultuous 16 months in charge.

Image Credit: The Sun [Barry Ferguson lifting a trophy after a soccer game.]

As the board search for a long-term replacement, an interim manager was needed for the meantime. Ferguson, 47, is a Rangers icon having formerly been club captain and winning loads of major trophies. But this is his first coaching gig since 2022. The former Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa boss will be joined in the dugout by current Gers No2 Issame Charai plus ex-players Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor.

Image Credit: The Sun [Soccer players and coaches celebrating on the field.]

The statement read: "Rangers Football Club can today announce Hall of Fame member and former club captain, Barry Ferguson, is to become Head Coach of our men’s first team until the end of the season. "Ferguson, who won five league titles, five Scottish Cups and five League Cups across two spells at Ibrox, will be joined by coaches Issame Charai, Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor.

Image Credit: The Sun [Rangers players celebrating a Scottish Cup victory.]

"As confirmed yesterday, Philippe Clement is leaving the club. In addition, Alex Rae, Colin Stewart and Stephan van der Heyden are also departing. Rangers FC would like to thank Philippe, Alex, Colin and Stephan for their contribution and commitment. They will always be welcome at the club.

Image Credit: The Sun [Issame Charai, Rangers new assistant manager.]

"Brian Gilmour will remain with Rangers to continue to bridge the gap between the academy and the first-team. "The ongoing football review will continue, and a new, permanent manager will be appointed in the coming months.". Rangers CEO, Patrick Stewart, commented: “Philippe and his team have worked tirelessly during their time in at the club and have played an important role in developing the first team’s young players.

“I want to reiterate, the issues we are facing run deeper than the manager. The ongoing football review seeks to address those issues, and we will continue to implement its findings in the coming weeks and months ahead of appointing a new, permanent manager.

“When I spoke to RangersTV last week, I was clear that everyone is judged on results, and nobody will get unlimited time in any role at the club. Ultimately, the team’s response following their early exit from the Scottish Cup was a cause for deep concern, leading the board to conclude that action had to be taken now.

“I want to wish Philippe every success in the future. He is a fine man whom I have enjoyed working with in my short time here so far. “I also want to welcome Barry back to the club. We appreciate him and his team stepping into the role at this difficult time. Myself, the board and the executive team will give them our full support for the rest of the campaign.”.

McCann and Dodds have both been managers in their own right since hanging up their boots. McGregor has been living a quiet life (mostly playing golf) since his retirement. All four were in the Rangers squad during the season club won its 50th league title in 2002-03, though Dodds left midway through the season.