Not the first time, Barry Ferguson got his Rangers tactics spot on for the win over Celtic.
Things might have started badly against Kilmarnock, but the interim boss bravely hooked Clinton Nsiala as the team went on to win the game 4-2 from two goals down.
Then came then the super away performance and result at Fenerbahce which made plenty of pundits eat their words after Ferguson’s inspired tactical switch.
Gers got through against the Turks despite losing at 2-0 at Ibrox in the second leg, requiring penalties, but to the last eight is an achievement regardless.
Then came Sunday. The Rangers temporary boss proved he has the passion everyone thought he did but also married it was a tactical masterclass, with Neil Lennon praising the tactics and press which were spot on.
The praise just keeps coming for Ferguson.
Andy Halliday says Rangers beat Celtic in the dugout
Ferguson made Brendan Rodgers eat his words after the Celtic manager bizarrely claimed the team wasn’t looking any different since he took over from Philippe Clement. The new-look 3-4-2-1 formation going on to prove him very wrong.
Andy Halliday reckons the game was actually won in the dugout with Fergie getting the better of that tactical battle with Rodgers and the result reflecting that.
The Northern Irishman has had flank from his own supporters for not learning from the previous 3-0 derby defeat and Halliday agrees with that.
He told Radio Clyde’s Superscoreboard: “In terms of Rodgers not learning from the previous defeat, I tend to agree.
“Rangers won the game on the pitch and between the two managers I thought it was won in the dugout on the Rangers side as well.”
Case for Barry Ferguson to land Rangers job
Is Ferguson making a case for himself to be the next permanent Rangers manager?
Michael Stewart certainly thinks so.
He told Premier Sports: “I’ve got no doubt, the incoming owners would have in their mind the type of manager they’re going for.
“Barry Ferguson’s now in interim charge until the end of the season.
“He’s got the platform for him to make the case for him to get it and he’s certainly making the case at the moment.
“He might not end up getting it, but I’ll tell you what, with every passing game, he’s building the case and he’s banging the drum to say: ‘Look, I should be in that conversation’.”
