Andy Halliday Sets the Bar for Barry Ferguson’s Bid to Become Permanent Rangers Boss
Andy Halliday has outlined the key objectives Barry Ferguson must achieve if he hopes to land the permanent Rangers managerial role.
Since stepping in for Philippe Clement, Ferguson has brought stability to Ibrox, with his tenure gaining momentum following back-to-back away victories against Fenerbahce and Celtic.
Rangers’ dramatic Europa League triumph over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce—winning on penalties after a 3-1 first-leg win and a 2-0 defeat at home—has seen them advance to the quarter-finals, alongside consecutive Old Firm victories. These results have breathed new life into the club’s season and sparked discussions over whether Ferguson should be given the job permanently.
Halliday Challenges Ferguson to Prove Rangers Wrong
Ferguson is expected to remain in charge until the end of the season, steering Rangers through what has been a tumultuous domestic campaign. However, his early success has fueled speculation about his long-term future.
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (March 17), Halliday expressed doubt over Ferguson’s chances of securing the role full-time, suggesting the club’s new investors may seek a high-profile appointment.
“As things stand, I don’t believe Barry Ferguson will be given the job permanently,” Halliday said. “With new investors coming in, I think they’ll be looking for a big-name manager.
“That being said, Ferguson will definitely have ambitions to take the job long-term. Over the next three months, he needs to strengthen his case as much as possible.
“Winning Old Firm matches and delivering European success could make it extremely difficult for the club to overlook him—but he needs more than a few big results to cement his place.”
Ferguson in the Running for Permanent Role?
With 49ers Enterprises set to take control at Ibrox after securing a 51% majority stake, a major summer rebuild is expected. The new ownership group was already facing a decision on Clement’s future, but the outgoing Rangers board acted first, dismissing the Belgian due to poor results.
Now, Ferguson’s short-term success has put him firmly in the conversation as a contender for the permanent job. However, his winless record at Ibrox—following defeats to Motherwell and Fenerbahce—remains a concern.
There is still plenty of football left this season, giving Ferguson a chance to further prove himself. If Rangers continue their European resurgence and maintain their winning ways, the 49ers may have no choice but to hand him the reins permanently.
