Ferguson has been in interim charge of Rangers since Philippe Clement got the boot and has enjoyed a successful start to life in the Ibrox hotseat
19:57, 21 Mar 2025
Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson salutes the fans
Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson salutes the fans
Barry Ferguson is now in 'pole position' to land the Rangers job – with his impressive start to life as interim boss drawing comparisons with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.
That's the view of former England international goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who believes the Ibrox hero has given himself every chance of being handed the reins on a permanent basis in the future.
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Ferguson enjoyed his best week in the job before the international break, following up a penalty shootout victory against Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in the last 16 of the Europa League to down bitter rivals Celtic 3-2 on their own patch in a derby day thriller.
With 49ers Enterprises poised to complete their takeover of Rangers, it has been suggested in some quarters that the US consortium - spearheaded by businessman Andrew Cavenagh - may look to appoint a big name in the game with more pedigree as a manager.
But according to Robinson - who won 41 caps for his country and racked nearly 400 Premier League appearances with the likes of Tottenham, Leeds and Blackburn, ex Gers captain Ferguson could replicate the feet of Old Trafford legend Solksjaer, who was entrusted with the keys on a permanent basis after catching the eye whilst in interim charge.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “My fellow pundits and co-workers laughed me out of the park when I said Barry Ferguson could get the job on a permanent basis.
"I said what if he wins the Old Firm and then he’s on an open-top bus parading the Europa League.
"Look what he’s done so far, he’s re-lit the fire in those Rangers players and let them know and understand what it means to wear that shirt.
"They look like a team full of pride and passion, which they didn’t under Philippe Clement. The resilience they showed at home against Fenerbahce, the way they dug in and the spirit they showed, was repeated in the Celtic game.
"Barry Ferguson would not normally be on the list to become Rangers manager. Look at his managerial career – Blackpool, Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa.
"But he and all his backroom staff are Rangers through and through, it’s the pride and passion he’s got, the supporters get him and he gets the club.
"Are they going to end up in an Ole Gunnar Solskjaer situation like what he did at Man United, came in and did a great job so the club were forced to give him the job.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer(Image: Getty Images)
"In normal circumstances, he wouldn’t be given an interview, but look where he’s taken the club when he’s been given the opportunity.
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"Has he put himself in the frame? Absolutely, he’s in pole position now."