When Barry Ferguson took over from Philippe Clement, there was a collective sigh of relief amongst the Rangers support.
It had become a struggle to break teams down with the previous Rangers manager refusing to change his approach.
A fresh start, new ideas, and a new formation started worryingly against Kilmarnock before a stirring fightback suggested that things had changed with a struggling Rangers squad.
They have, unfortunately, but for the worse, with Ferguson knowing his position as interim boss means that he can say, almost, what he wants without any repercussions.
After watching Rangers drop yet more points with the same players who have failed all season, Ferguson took aim a those on the pitch, rather than reflecting on what he and his staff could do better.
Barry Ferguson blames Rangers players for Paisley performance
Speaking after the game, Ferguson was asked if he was frustrated with what he had seen:
“Yeah look, when you spend a week sitting down individually and then collectively and you work on things and you show them video stuff, what you’re wanting the team to do. And they don’t carry it out at times, it’s frustrating,” said the short-term Gers boss.
“When we carried it out, we scored two goals, we played the ball quickly, two or three touch. And then at times we go back to the way it was a few months ago: pedestrian, slow and that’s not the way that I want my team to play, it’s certainly not the way that we train.
“And then when we go that way, that then allows St Mirren, in my opinion, back into the game.”
Should Ferguson be shouldering the blame?
Ferguson has a 36% win record.
For context, Clement was 63% and Michael Beale 72%.
The gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table has increased, despite beating Celtic and more players being available for selection in the Rangers squad, especially in terms of attacking options.
There has been one clean sheet – with 10 men against Athletic Club.
On seven occasions, Rangers have conceded two goals or more.
Bring back Pedro, all is forgiven.
For some bizarre reason, Ferguson, who has been backed to be permanent manager, is staying loyal to the same players who have failed all season and under his charge.
Oscar Cortes and Danilo didn’t even get off the bench against St Mirren, £10m worth of players.
How can they possibly regain their best form if Ferguson doesn’t give them any game time?
Given that he isn’t going to be at Rangers next season, somebody needs to tell him that it is no longer about results.
