Rangers kicked off their new era under Barry Ferguson against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Wednesday night.
Former Rangers captain and icon Ferguson has taken over as manager for the remainder of the season, allowing fans to reconnect with their team.
The debate about who will be the manager at Govan after this season continues, with Ferguson in charge for at least the next few months in what may be a long-term tryout.
Boyd makes a Rangers manager recommendation
Ferguson’s debut game as Rangers manager was against a Kilmarnock side led by Derek McInnes, whose name has been linked to a future Ibrox arrival.
McInnes, 53, represented the Gers throughout his playing career and went on to lead West Bromwich Albion south of the border during their Premier League days in the early 2000s.
The Paisley-born former midfielder took command of his 150th Kilmarnock game at Rugby Park against Ferguson’s Light Blues.
Kris Boyd, who appeared as a commentator on Sky Sports as his two old teams squared off on February 26th, predicted that McInnes would be considered for the long-term position at Rangers in the summer.
“I think he will be [considered], given the job he’s done at Aberdeen and now Kilmarnock,” Boyd told me.
“That might be on the horizon for Derek.”
Ferguson has Ibrox audition until the summer.
Ferguson effectively has a free hit here – certainly in terms of domestic achievements, as Rangers will finish no higher nor lower than second no matter what.
The Gers still have a lot to play for in Europe, and they’ll be looking to rekindle that good mood in the coming weeks and months.
In the grand scheme of things, Ferguson has an advantage early on due to his relationship with the club, and it’s a relatively risk-free job that allows him to display his ability.
Despite the tumultuous atmosphere at Ibrox recently, the former captain must rally his troops for his next game against Motherwell on Saturday (1 March), his first home match in charge.
It will be intriguing to see how the long-term managerial hunt progresses in the summer, and whether McInnes is a real prospect for the Ibrox board.
