Rangers’ new manager Barry Ferguson after taking temporary control of the club in late February. He’s continued to navigate the team through a tumultuous time since. Ferguson has picked up just four wins in his twelve games in charge. His time there has been particularly unsteady at Ibrox, where he has failed to pick up a single victory so far. Their last match was a heart-pounding 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Celtic. It masked effectively both the excellent commitment of his players and the daunting tasks that were facing him.
Following the draw at Celtic, Ferguson was justifiably proud but disappointed. In his post-game remarks, he lavished high praises on the effort of his team. Even then, he could not mask his disappointment in managing just a solitary point in what was an absolutely vital clash. I was extremely pleased with the pledge,” he recalled. He added, “I was disappointed with just getting a point.” This sentiment highlights the jam he has been (and continues to be) in, as he attempts to change the team’s luck.
Challenges Ahead for Rangers
Though these shores have been rocky thus far, Ferguson is undeterred to prove himself as a worthy manager. He stated, “Everybody’s got an opinion, I don’t care about people’s opinion. I know I can do the job.” His confidence is important, as he continues to sail choppy waters. The Rangers are dramatically behind their competition, as they are currently 17 points behind their rivals and in a huge goal differential hole due to past management.
Ferguson recognizes the big lift in front of them and the hard work that will be required. He remarked, “I know there’s a hell of a lot of work to be done, everybody knows that. That’s a challenge that I would meet head on. I know I would change it.” His steely resolve speaks to his desire to bring Rangers back to the top of the table.
Ferguson’s interim appointment is a backdrop to a possible state takeover. An American consortium, primarily under the direction of Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, is on the verge of buying Rangers. This recent turn only deepens the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future and management structure. Ferguson is still very much engaged as an operator in this transitionary period.
Mixed Reactions and Future Prospects
Ferguson has gotten mixed reviews about his chances to become the permanent manager. Kris Boyd, the former Rangers striker, alluded to Ferguson becoming a victim of other managers’ past mistakes. Boyd’s comments highlight the weight of expectation that Ferguson faces amid ongoing scrutiny of Rangers’ performance.
As for Ferguson’s prospects when Celtic just drew at Ibrox, Brendan Rodgers shrugged his shoulders. “It’s not my problem to worry about Rangers being stronger,” he said, indicating that the focus remains on his own team’s performance rather than on competitors.
Ferguson continues to be unfazed by the negative perceptions from outside the agency and adamantly claims that he is uniquely qualified for the permanent position. “I know I’ve got a real good staff behind me,” he stated. He personally challenges players such as Vaclav Cerny to improve their training performances when they don’t cut it following poor displays. This approach is illustrative of his micromanagement style of management.
Building Toward the Future
Ferguson is staying politically sharp in his interim role. He’s aware of the moves he needs to make right now to improve the team immediately. “I’ve been through the doors now, I know what’s needed in terms of change,” he said. His statements indicate an openness to pursuing more progressive tactics that would improve competitive success and internal culture.
Ferguson will have his work cut out for him as he tries to seize control of Rangers’ fortunes. Simultaneously, he needs to make a compelling argument the permanent managerial role was needed. Moreover, he knows full well what relentless demand for high level execution and result in an unforgiving crucible, generally known as “The Business.”
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