Barry Ferguson was the idol of many a Rangers fan in Scotland during his midfield heyday at Ibrox.
One of the most talented players of his generation, Barry Ferguson patrolled the pitch at Ibrox Stadium and captained Rangers to title after title.
Now the interim Rangers manager, Ferguson is leading the team he loves on the touchline and is already inspiring plenty as he targets the job full-time.
But whilst Andy Halliday reckons Ferguson is a long-shot for the gig, there is one current Scotland star who idolised the Rangers legend during his playing days.
And it should really come as no surprise.
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Lewis Ferguson on ‘idol’ and uncle Barry Ferguson
Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson is the nephew of Rangers legend Barry and the son of former Ibrox star Derek Ferguson.
You’d have been forgiven for thinking that Lewis’ destiny was at Ibrox stadium, but some poor transfer decision-making has seen the Scotland international slip through the club’s fingers.
Ferguson, 25, has been a revelation since moving to in Serie A in 2022 and now captains the same Bologna side who played in the Champions League and have reached the Coppa Italia final this season.
In a recent interview with Destination Calcio, Ferguson claims that Uncle Barry was his footballing idol as a child.
But as it turns out, the legendary former Rangers midfielder was not the only one.
”Obviously growing up I watched my uncle (Barry Ferguson) play for Scotland and captain Scotland,” Ferguson said.
”So I would have to say him. I didn’t get to watch my dad as much I was too young to really understand and watch him when he was playing football.
”I would’ve been too young and he was coming towards the end of his career so it’s quite sad that I never got to see him, but a lot of people have let me know how good a player he was.
”It was more easier for me to watch my uncle play.
”He obviously captained Rangers – he’s a legend there – and captained his country so it was always a point of reference, someone I looked up to and thought you know, I want to try and emulate that.
”Having a close relationship obviously being family was pretty special.
”It’s difficult trying to pick another one. Growing up I always loved Frank Lampard.
”I always watched the Scottish league and the Premier League back in the UK so yeah, he was another one that I just completed idolised.
”Midfielder, one of the best there has ever been so I used to idolise him.”
Lewis Ferguson ‘would’ve walked to Rangers’
Rangers released Lewis Ferguson as a youngster but the midfielder has not let it hinder his promising young career.
Whilst Lewis’ blue blood should’ve seen him come through at Ibrox, the midfielder went on to Hamilton and then Aberdeen where he impressed in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers were routinely linked to Ferguson during his time at Pittodrie and indeed, Lewis is a self-identified Rangers fan.
The Gers failed to move before Bologna coughed up that £3m to sign Ferguson from Aberdeen three years ago.
But speaking back in 2024, Barry Ferguson claimed that nephew Lewis ‘would’ve walked to Rangers’ if only the club had asked.
“I get asked so much from Rangers fans ‘how did we not sign your nephew’?” Barry Ferguson told GO Radio.
“There was no interest, he would’ve walked there. He would’ve walked to Rangers.
“But you look now. He’s went over to Italy, he had a good first season, this season he’s went up a level and now you’re talking £20m and upwards.
“And you know what, he deserves it because he’s went away and he’s worked hard, he’s went into a different environment, away from the family, he’s knuckled down. I think his game’s improved.”
