AliousEx-Rangers Star Raises Alarm Over 49ers-Backed Takeover – Says Key Decision-Makers “Don’t Understand the Club”
A former Rangers defender and club icon has voiced serious concern about the future direction of the Ibrox side amid ongoing takeover developments, suggesting those involved may not fully grasp the true nature of the club.
Craig Moore, a past Rangers stalwart turned pundit, has expressed skepticism following discussions surrounding the proposed acquisition of the club by a consortium backed by 49ers Enterprises. His concerns stem from a recent conversation with fellow Rangers legend Barry Ferguson, who just wrapped up a short stint as interim manager following Philippe Clement’s departure.
Moore spoke candidly about Ferguson’s disappointment at not being given a permanent shot at the managerial role, despite believing he had a solid vision for the club’s future. More troubling for Moore, however, was what Ferguson’s comments revealed about the mindset of the new potential ownership group.
“I managed to reach Barry after the announcement,” Moore said on Go Radio. “He was gutted—he felt he had something to offer and could build something strong at Rangers. But from what I’ve heard, the club’s leadership is opting for someone with more experience.”
However, Moore’s greater concern lies in the perception that the incoming owners see Rangers as a “project”—a term he strongly disagrees with.
“Barry made it clear, and I fully agree—Rangers is not a project club,” Moore continued. “This is a club that’s built to win. Supporters expect silverware, not long-term development experiments. Whoever comes in must deliver immediately, because the fanbase won’t be patient. If things don’t start well, support will dry up fast.”
Moore also questioned the timing and transparency of the club’s search for a new manager, criticizing the delay in naming a replacement despite Ferguson having led the side for three months. “It’s fair for fans to ask: who is the coach? They need to know what’s coming next to feel any kind of optimism heading into the off-season.”
As speculation swirls, a number of managerial candidates have emerged. Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti is one high-profile name linked to the role, though Moore dismissed him due to his lack of frontline managerial experience.
“Ancelotti hasn’t managed a team himself. That doesn’t fit the current needs,” he said. “Steven Gerrard’s name is still floating around and his odds have shortened again—he has a track record here, so you could say he fits the bill. Another possibility is Sean Dyche, especially with his Everton connection to the incoming sporting director Kevin Thelwell.”
Moore concluded that, above all, experience will be the decisive factor: “Everything we’re hearing points to one thing—experience. For me, it has to be a British coach who understands the league, the pressure, and the expectations. And the club needs to act quickly. The longer this drags on, the more uncertainty creeps in.”
With the takeover looming and Rangers at a pivotal juncture, Moore’s message is clear: the club’s identity isn’t up for reinvention—it’s about winning, now.
Alious
