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Barry Ferguson reacts to Rangers doubters as credentials questioned

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Barry Ferguson has already impressed Rangers fans and other onlookers with the cut of his jib.

He was already adored at Gers after two spells as a player, and as captain, winning multiple trophies so maybe it was always going to be an easy sell for him when addressing supporters.

But so far so good in terms of what Fergie has said about his interim appointment.

Ferguson has promised instant changes to how Rangers play as well as an attacking and aggressive approach to games.

He will get the chance to show it instantly with a Premiership clash against Kilmarnock tonight at Rugby Park, a notoriously difficult venue.

And he gave his thoughts on Killie boss Derek McInnes, a potential candidate to fill his shoes longer term.

The 47-year-old has only managed as high as League One in Scotland with Alloa, after stints with Clyde and Kelty Hearts as well as a short caretaker spell down south with Blackpool.

And that has led to some questions over whether he is the right choice for the Ibrox hotseat.

Ian MacNicol Archive
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Ferguson not bothered by Rangers criticism

Ferguson is never one to shirk a challenge and so was never likely to turn down the chance to help out the club he loves.

Nor will he be bothered what people are saying about him and the appointment.

He insists he always had questions thrown at him during his impressive playing career and has no issue with that carrying on now.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Fergie said: “I have no issue with that, that’s fine, I’ll take that on the chin but that’s in the past now.

“I’m sure I’m going to get judged every single time we play a game of football, but I have no problems with that.

“I had that as a player, I understand the demands and expectations of this football club.

“What I need to do is basic: win football games, but we’re going to have a certain way and a certain style of doing that.”

What Ferguson has said to Rangers players

“Enjoy it, you’re playing with Glasgow Rangers, it’s a privilege,” said Ferguson when speaking to Rangers TV. “You walk through this training centre, I’ve not been here for a while and I see the changes. 

“Enjoy yourself, they’re going to enjoy training, training will be tough, there’s no doubt, but it will be enjoyable as well. It’ll be at a certain standard which I would expect. 

“So, yep, it’s all about enjoying your football and it gets serious at 90 minutes, it’s all about winning at Rangers, that’s how I was brought up and that’s the way I want my players to be.

“You have to win every game, the demands and expectations put on you here. When people come to watch you, they expect you to win games and I don’t think we’ve won enough this year.”