It’s here. What football fans all over Europe have been waiting for, the January transfer window.
Its that time of year when you hope your side can capture the signature of that one player who will make all the difference, we Rangers supporters are no different.
So to get you all in the transfer mood I have picked out the best of Rangers winter transfer business. Yesterday I have you seven of the best, and today in part eight I present the player I think represents the best bit of January business done by our club.
Enjoy the links at the end.
BARRY FERGUSON : JANUARY 2005
Barry Ferguson, is a Rangers legend of that there is no question, despite his recent media preferences.
When Alex McLeish, brought Ferguson back home on the final day of the January transfer window in 2005, many Rangers fans were split on the move. This was in no way down to Ferguson’s ability, it was quite simply due to the manner in which he departed to Blackburn 17 months prior.
Ferguson, came through the Rangers youth ranks, and in my mind is quite simply the greatest Scottish midfielder of his generation, he could do everything and when given his chance by new manager Dick Advocaat, he took it with both hands. Winning the treble in his first season as a first team regular, and gaining International reckoning to the full Scotland side, little over a year from being tipped for the exit door.
Ferguson, was named Rangers captain in 2000, and his form continued to excel, in both domestic and European competitions.
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If you ask any Rangers fan about Ferguson’s greatest performance in Rangers shirt it would undoubtedly be the Scottish Cup final in 2002, dragging the side by sheer will, striking a fantastic free kick in to the game 2-2, Peter Lovenkranks winner secured the rest.
The following season and with reported financial hardships at Ibrox, Rangers were willing to listen to offers for the jewel in the crown. Following a Champions league qualifier with Copenhagen, Ferguson was sold to Blackburn Rovers.
During his spell in the English Premiership Ferguson, fully established his status as a top class midfielder, being named captain of Blackburn during his spell with the club.
After just 16 months at Blackburn, Ferguson, was on the move and despite interest from other premiership sides, there was only one place the player wanted to go. Back home to Ibrox.
Ferguson was part of the side winner the League on the last match, in a day forever is known as helicopter Sunday. The following season Ferguson was reappointed club captain, but a disappointing finish meant a change in manager, Alex McLeish was replaced by Paul Le Guen.
This was to prove both a unhappy time for club and player alike, leading to Ferguson being stripped of the captaincy, becoming the public face of a player revolt. With the reality simply that Le Guen, was making a example of the player attempt to force his own exit from the club.
Apon Walter Smith’s, arrival all was well again with Ferguson, taking his place at the heart of the Rangers midfield, winning a further league title and captaining the side to the historic UEFA cup run in 2008.
His Rangers career was to ultimately end on a sour note, after a now infamous incident with Allan McGregor, on Scotland duty. Walter Smith, felt it was a embarrassment to the club and despite the side winning the championship, he was ordered to find a new club.
Few can question Ferguson’s ability, even after his return where I think it’s fair to say he was a different player, than the one who had left for Blackburn. His transfer is generally the last time as a Rangers supporter I watched the last hours of the transfer window tick down in excitement.
Share your thoughts and memories with me please
@steven_harrigan @rangersnewsuk