_Rangers Paraag Marathe (1)
(Credit: Imago)
Carla Devine
Tue 18 March 2025 8:10, UK
Rangers supporters may be pondering who their next permanent manager could be under the 49ers Enterprises, but Paraag Marathe could already have the answer.
Barry Ferguson is in charge on an interim basis until the end of the season with the hope of improving the morale inside Ibrox, which has definitely happened.
After a week where the Gers got past Fenerbahce and Celtic, there have been plenty of suggestions that Ferguson could be in the ring for the permanent role.
Rangers
Rangers interim boss, Barry Ferguson (Credit: Imago)
Marathe has managerial answer for Rangers
Given how disastrous Rangers’ season had been under the management of Philippe Clement, the aim of replacing him at this stage of the season was about raising the standards and getting supporters back on side.
Ferguson’s previous managerial experience did not set him up well to succeed at Ibrox but as a Rangers club legend, the ability to change the expectations within the team and rejuvenate the squad.
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Club Win rate
Clyde 38.3%
Kelty Hearts 65.7%
Alloa Athletic 27.3%
Barry Ferguson’s managerial record.
The interim boss has certainly done so as the Gers progressed in the Europa League after beating Fenerbahce on penalties.
On Sunday (16 March), he took his side to Celtic where a Hamza Igamane goal in the 88th minute gave them all three points with a 3-2 victory.
However, while people are getting excited about Ferguson’s prospects, John McGarry has suggested there may be no reason to celebrate.
Writing in the print edition of the Scottish Daily Mail (18 March, page 70), he said: “With Rangers on the verge of a takeover by an American consortium, there’s every chance that Ferguson would be putting himself forward for a vacancy that does not exist. When 49ers Enterprises completed their buy-out of Leeds United in 2023, their first act was to appoint Daniel Farke as manager.
“It’s entirely conceivable, then, that Paraag Marathe, the Elland Road chairman who is also part of the group which is set to take control at Ibrox, already has his own man in mind. It’s typically what happens when there is a change in ownership.”
Rangers play their home games at Ibrox.
Rangers need to steady the ship
There is no doubt that Rangers have had an excellent week of action and with that in mind, you can understand why there is plenty of chatter around Ferguson potentially taking the manager role permanently.
However, the Gers’ problems start from much further up and the change in ownership needs to go through first before anyone can get too carried away thinking about future changes.
It will be interesting to see how the 49ers play it. Some come in and immediately welcome a new manager while others let someone else continue but usually replace them at the first sign of trouble.
That being said, Ferguson was only appointed on an interim basis to start with so not extending that any further wouldn’t be completely unfair from the 49ers.
It’s worth remembering that Ferguson has overseen just five games in charge so far and whether he would be able to deliver the high standards that the new owners are seeking is questionable.
The way he has turned things around so far deserves plenty of credit but some thoughts also need reigning in for now with it still very much early days.
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