There was a fleeting moment of relief when Philippe Clement’s stint with Rangers came to an end.
For just five minutes, fans were unified, with thoughts instantly moving to who the next Rangers manager could be once Clement’s dismissal was confirmed.
Then the discussions began about who the Rangers should appoint, as a number of names emerged as potential interim candidates.
Barry Ferguson has a chance to become the Rangers’ assistant.
Steven Gerrard and current assistant manager Issame Charai are both contenders, but when Barry Ferguson’s name came up, it raised some eyebrows.
Ferguson had the opportunity to get a high-profile role at Ibrox while Pedro Caixinha was in charge, which he presumably regrets not taking now:
“Yes, I did (meet Caixinha),” admitted former Gers captain Ferguson on an Open Goal podcast.
“Oh, my god.
“I’m glad I didn’t get the job, mate.” Regardless of what anyone says, the guy never got Rangers.
“He asked about the Scottish game.
“So I started talking about Pittodrie, Tynecastle, Easter Road, and Fir Park, all of which are dreadful locations to play.
“You have to change sometimes, roll up your sleeves, and win the war.
But he looks at me and says, ‘No, I only play this way.'”
“I warned it wouldn’t work at Rangers.
“He just looked at me, and I thought, ‘I have no chance at this job!'”
“I’m glad I didn’t get it because if I had worked with him, I would have been fired within three or four weeks.”
“Because the guy never got what Rangers is all about.”
Ferguson also revealed, according to Andy Halliday, that when Caixinha asked him where he wanted to be in five years, he said he imagined himself sitting in his chair, doing the manager’s job.
A little diplomacy, and that opportunity may have been his.
Why is Ferguson being considered by the Rangers?
Ferguson, who has little management or coaching experience in recent years, would be a surprising choice unless he is intended to be more of a figurehead than a tactical influence.
It’s similar to Gerrard’s function at Rangers, with Michael Beale as the coaching brains and Gary McAllister as the wise old head to offer advice.
The two former midfielders share parallels in that they were capable of both the magnificent and the filthy side of the game when in their prime.
They recognize that winning games requires more than skill, ability, and strategy, particularly in Scotland.
Few people get two chances to head their favourite club; will Ferguson blow this one as well?
