AliousBarry Ferguson Axed After Shock Managerial U-Turn as 49ers Step In at Rangers
Rangers are finally closing in on appointing a new permanent manager—but it won’t be Barry Ferguson, despite earlier signals pointing toward him potentially staying on.
Ferguson, who stepped in as interim boss following Philippe Clement’s dismissal, oversaw a turbulent spell with mixed results, including a respectable Europa League quarter-final appearance.
For a time, he appeared to be in the frame for a long-term appointment, particularly after positive discussions with key figures Kevin Thelwell and Gretar Steinsson, representatives of the incoming ownership group, 49ers Enterprises.
As recently as a week ago, Ferguson believed he was among the top contenders for the job.
A reported meeting last Thursday left him optimistic about his future at the club. However, that hope quickly evaporated over the weekend, when Ferguson was informed that his services, along with those of coaches Neil McCann, Billy Dodds, and Allan McGregor, would not be retained.
The dramatic change in direction suggests a deeper strategic pivot by the 49ers-led consortium, who are looking to usher in a new era at Ibrox. Davide Ancelotti, son of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, has emerged as a serious candidate for the role as Rangers seek a fresh start.
While Ferguson earned praise as a club legend and managed to steady the ship briefly, the decision to move on appears justified. His tenure was marked by inconsistency and tactical uncertainty, and it took him eight matches to record a win at Ibrox. The club’s leadership evidently feels that Ferguson wasn’t the right figure to lead a long-term rebuild.
Given Rangers’ urgent need to turn their fortunes around and avoid yet another lost season, the stakes are too high to take risks. This managerial appointment is critical, and the 49ers seem determined to get it right—starting with a clean break from the past.
Alious
