After a period of intense speculation and Rangers hitting the headlines for a variety of reasons, it has all gone a bit quiet.
The San Francisco 49ers takeover is said to be on course to be completed by the end of the season although it is unlikely to affect any of Rangers’ transfer budget.
The outgoing shareholders have sought transfer guarantees from the 49ers, however, financial fair play and a player trading model will prevent any blank cheque from being handed over to Nils Koppen.
What also gets forgotten is that a new permanent Rangers manager is also needed, although Patrick Stewart’s desire to appoint a sporting director first will influence that decision.
In the meantime, there is only really one candidate being talked about with Barry Ferguson doing himself no harm of keeping the job full-time.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Barry Ferguson given Rangers job backing
Asked on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast if Ferguson was a serious consideration for the Ibrox hotseat, Cammy Bell, the former Rangers goalkeeper, reckons that the Hall of Fame legend hasn’t done his chances any harm at all.
When asked if he thought that Ferguson was a credible choice, he said:
“Yeah, I think he is. I think he’s put himself certainly in the frame for being in the conversation.
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“Listen, it’s all going to come down to the new ownership of the club and what direction they want to go in.
“But, at this moment in time, if you’re looking at managers available and the way that Rangers have went about their business since Barry’s came in, and his backroom staff as well because I think the backroom staff and as a group together make it such a strong coaching group with Neil McCann and Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor.
“So, yeah, I think he’s in the frame, I think he’s done every so well since he came in and he’s definitely got a reaction.
“There’s a bit more about Rangers, yes, he said in his interview, there’s huge parts in that Dundee game that he’s not happy with that needs to improve, that’s not good enough, but again, they got the result.
“Would they have got the result under Philippe Clement when they’re 3-1 down? Not for me.
“I think he’s in with a shout.”
Winning games isn’t enough if Ferguson wants to land dream job
The problem with assessing Ferguson’s credentials just now, especially domestically, is that there is nothing other than pride to play for.
Bell is right, there has been a stronger mentality, however, Rangers have also conceded two goals in five of their last seven games.
There is also the defeat at Ibrox to Motherwell which was, arguably, the worst performance of the season.
Another Old Firm win would help Ferguson’s cause, as would adding clean sheets to the more expansive and attacking football that has been on display.
Winning games isn’t enough though, there has been a lack of control and the interim Gers boss needs to find a way to get it back.
The benchmark is high, but then again, so are the demands of Rangers and the need to start competing for trophies.