AliousLee McCulloch has thrown his support behind Barry Ferguson to secure the permanent managerial position at Rangers.
The ex-Ibrox midfielder believes Ferguson, currently serving as interim manager, has done an exceptional job in rebuilding the bond between the players and the fans.
McCulloch describes the team’s performances under Ferguson as a stark contrast—vastly improved—compared to the lackluster displays seen toward the end of Philippe Clement’s unsuccessful stint.
In his five matches as caretaker boss, Ferguson has guided Rangers to significant victories, including their first Old Firm triumph at Parkhead since 2020 and a notable win against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, propelling the team into the Europa League quarter-finals against Athletic Bilbao.
These key fixtures—the home game against Fenerbahce and the subsequent trip to Parkhead—were watched by American businessman Andrew Cavenagh, who is spearheading a U.S.
consortium nearing a takeover of the club.
McCulloch believes Ferguson, his former teammate and captain, has earned considerable goodwill and credibility for the permanent role.
Despite Ferguson dodging questions about his long-term ambitions, McCulloch insists he’s a strong contender, stating, “He’s got to be.” He points to the results-driven nature of football, highlighting Ferguson’s impressive record so far, with more crucial matches on the horizon.
“The difference has been like night and day,” McCulloch said, noting the renewed connection between the team and the supporters. He credits Ferguson with instilling belief and direction, which has paid off with standout results in Europe and against Celtic.
McCulloch also emphasized Ferguson’s credentials, calling him a treble-winning captain and an ideal figure to step up during a critical moment for the club.
“He’s got a lot of credit in the bank now,” he added. Meanwhile, Cavenagh, alongside the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, is leading the impending takeover, expected to be finalized before summer.
This deal promises to inject much-needed financial resources into Rangers, which McCulloch sees as vital for closing the gap with rivals Celtic.
On the potential investment, McCulloch remarked, “If it goes through, it’ll be a real positive. Maybe there’ll be funds to strengthen the squad.”
He acknowledged that Rangers have operated on a tighter budget in recent years compared to their historical standards, and fans would welcome additional resources to refresh the team and boost its quality.
While the recent Old Firm victories have restored some confidence, McCulloch believes consistency in the league remains a work in progress. Still, he’s optimistic: “The belief is there that we can do it in the Old Firm games—it’s just about carrying that into every week.”
Alious
