Rangers job decision explained as Barry Ferguson reveals why he felt disappointed

Barry Ferguson opens up on Rangers snub and admits he felt let down

Barry Ferguson has revealed that Rangers told him they wanted a more experienced manager when deciding against handing him the job on a permanent basis.

The Rangers legend stepped in as caretaker boss towards the end of the 2024/25 season following Philippe Clement’s dismissal and believed he had a genuine opportunity to take charge permanently.

However, the Ibrox hierarchy ultimately opted for Russell Martin, who had already guided Southampton to promotion to the Premier League from the Championship.

Ferguson admitted that he understood the reasoning behind the decision but acknowledged that he was disappointed after believing he had done enough to earn an opportunity.

“They said they wanted more experience,” Ferguson explained. “I never had the experience that, for instance, Russell Martin had.

“People will probably say I didn’t deserve to get the job, and I totally understand that. I just thought I had a chance. I would have liked the chance to have a crack at it for at least a season.”

Despite missing out, Ferguson revealed that he spoke with Martin after the appointment and offered his assistance as the new Rangers boss prepared for life at Ibrox.

Martin asked Ferguson for his thoughts on the club, the players, its traditions and the standards expected at Rangers.

Ferguson insisted he had no problem supporting whoever was appointed.

“I was always going to support them no matter what. I’m not one of those guys that spits the dummy out,” he said.

Asked whether he felt let down by Rangers, Ferguson admitted that he initially did.

“I did a bit at the start, but as time went on, that’s the way life is at times,” he said. “They went down a different route, and I have to respect that.”

Ferguson subsequently returned to his ambassadorial role at the club, something he says he continues to enjoy.

However, the former Rangers captain has not completely closed the door on managing the club again.

He admitted that he does not see himself managing another club but believes it would be foolish to rule anything out in football.

“Never say never — you never know what’s around the corner,” Ferguson said.

He also reflected positively on his brief spell in the dugout, despite the pressure that came with managing Rangers.

Ferguson said he enjoyed the demanding nature of the role, including the sleepless nights spent preparing for Europa League and league fixtures.

For him, the experience proved that he was capable of embracing the pressure of management.

“One thing nobody can label against me is that I gave it everything I had,” he added.

Ferguson acknowledged there were difficult moments during his spell in charge but believes there were also significant positives, particularly the relationship that developed between the team and Rangers supporters.

He now hopes that connection can return to Ibrox on a more permanent basis in the future.