Barry Ferguson: What did we learn from Rangers unveiling?

Rangers legend Barry Ferguson has officially been unveiled as the club's new interim manager. Following the announcement, he spoke in detail about his feelings and plans. Ferguson, who enjoyed two stellar spells in Rangers' midfield, winning 15 trophies, is passionate about the club he has supported since childhood, outlining the demands he will place on the players and his newly appointed coaching staff, as well as his unconventional path to this coveted managerial position.

Ferguson also provided insight into his initial 36 hours in charge, offering hints at what Rangers and their fans can expect in the coming months. He emphasized the importance of his new coaching team, stating that they would not be "yes men." Ferguson selected former Rangers teammates Neil McCann, Peter Lovenkrands, and Allan McGregor as his assistants, expressing his delight that all three agreed to join him so quickly.

All three coaches were part of very successful Rangers squads as players and represented Scotland at international level. Goalkeeper McGregor, 43, only retired at the end of the 2022-23 season. McCann previously managed Dundee, while Lovenkrands took over Inverness Caledonian Thistle after serving as assistant manager at Ross County from 2014 to 2017. Both had primarily been working in the media with outlets such as BBC. "Neil and Peter have experience in management at a good level. Along with Allan, they have played for the club and know the demands and expectations, which is important for me too," Ferguson said.

Ferguson stated that he had not originally planned to return to coaching. It has been almost three years since Ferguson resigned from his previous managerial position with Alloa Athletic in Scottish League One. He was in charge for nine months, leaving the club with the side sitting eighth in the third tier. Prior to that, he had spells in charge of Clyde and Kelty Hearts in the fourth tier. Ferguson said he has since been enjoying a "peaceful life" working as a club ambassador for Rangers and had no immediate plans to return to the dugout until this opportunity arose.

When asked if he felt ready for such a significant challenge, Ferguson's response was firm and emphatic. "If I wasn't ready, I wouldn't be sitting here," he said. He added, "I've gone down a different route as an ambassador. Did I think I'd be back in coaching and management? If I'm being honest, I wasn't considering it. But when that phone call came, there was absolutely no way I was going to turn it down. I'm eager to get to work. I loved being out on the pitch with the players today and can't wait to be on the sidelines tomorrow."

When questioned about the prospect of taking on the role on a long-term basis, Ferguson responded bluntly: "I've not even thought about that." The 47-year-old coach was clearly unwilling to consider his long-term future, preferring instead to focus on Wednesday's Scottish Premiership away game against Kilmarnock. "My mindset is to get a win tomorrow," he continued. "It's one game at a time. There are a lot of games coming up. I'm here until the end of the season, and I'll give it my best shot to win games for this football club."

Long-term captain James Tavernier has not escaped criticism from fans during Rangers' disappointing league campaign to date. The highest-scoring defender in British football history has been the club's captain since 2018. During a five-hour visit to Rangers' training ground on Monday evening with his coaches, Ferguson spoke with Tavernier and remains convinced that he is the right man for the job. "I don't think there is any need for a change," he said. "I had a good chat with James last night; he came in when we were getting familiar with some of the staff. I spoke to him and looked him in the eye, and there is no doubt he will give 100% to lead this club until the end of the season."

Speaking about nurturing talent from the Rangers youth academy, the new manager mentioned the names of 18-year-olds Bailey Rice and Findlay Curtis. Ferguson himself broke into Dick Advocaat's Rangers side at the age of 18, emphasizing the importance of developing homegrown players and stating that he would be willing to give young players a chance. "If they are good enough, I will have no hesitation in putting them in," he said. "The door is open for the young players, and it's vitally important as a club that you always bring your own players through. I will do everything I can to help those players improve."