Barry Ferguson might be dreaming of being appointed the 20th permanent manager of his beloved Rangers Football Club.
But as Rangers suffer five straight home defeats for the first time in Ibrox history and Ferguson tears into the Rangers squad, such an eventuality is looking more and more unlikely.
Roger Hannah reckons Ferguson has been let down by an underperforming Rangers squad with a clear-out expected when 49ers Enterprises take charge.
The respite of a Europa League clash with Athletic Club will offer a welcome distraction to Rangers’ domestic woes this week.
But if it’s not going to be Barry Ferguson, then who else could the club look towards to become the next Rangers manager?
Steven Gerrard
Barry Ferguson faced off against Steven Gerrard four times in his career, coming head-to-head with the legendary former Liverpool midfielder during his time in the Premier League.
Former Rangers manager Gerrard is amongst the leading names in the early discussions to take over at Ibrox despite leaving the club in the lurch for Aston Villa back in 2021.
Things just haven’t gone right ever since Steven Gerrard left Rangers – for the Scouser or the Gers – with the 44-year-old back on the scrapheap after leaving Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
There might just be one problem though; Gerrard isn’t actively pursuing a new job after years of stress at the helm of Rangers, Aston Villa and the Saudi Pro League side.
| Gerrard pros ✅ | Gerrard cons ❌ |
| Knows the club well having been Rangers manager before | Took three and a half years to win title |
| Legendary figure with huge pull in the game | Has struggled at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq |
| Impressive Old Firm win record (64%) | Potential backwards step at time of change |
Liam Rosenior
A clip of Liam Rosenior praising Valentin Barco after Strasbourg’s impressive recent victory over Lyon in Ligue 1 certainly turned heads of Rangers supporters.
The former Hull City coach is turning up trees in Ligue 1 with a young squad who are seemingly destined to earn a European spot this season.
A young English manager who is highly thought of in the game, Rangers assistant Issame Charai also worked under the former Derby County midfielder in France.
Making an impression as part of the Chelsea owned BlueCo, this would be a bold and ambitious appointment but it is not without its pitfalls.
| Rosenior pros ✅ | Rosenior cons ❌ |
| Leading a young team at Strasbourg (average age of approx 22) | No big club experience |
| Success built on foundation of defensive solidity (three goals conceded in last eight games) | Could be a costly appointment given BlueCo links |
| Currently working in multi-club model similar to 49ers Enterprises | Rangers are a risky move given Rosenior’s ambitions in game |
Sean Dyche
Sean Dyche finds himself without a job after leaving Premier League Everton and the former Burnley boss is an interesting prospect for Rangers.
The 53-year-old has previously suggested he’d be open to managing Rangers, Dyche suggesting he’d consider Ibrox in 2021 after Gerrard’s departure.
After putting the foundations of Burnley’s Premier League status in place, Dyche struggled at financial basket case Everton before leaving in January.
One of the most experienced British coaches around, Dyche would bring solidity to Ibrox whilst the gravel-throated gaffer’s team play better football than often given credit for.
| Dyche pros ✅ | Dyche cons ❌ |
| Achieved steady growth and success with Burnley on a limited budget | Never managed at a club with similar expectations to Rangers |
| British manager who would not suffer coasting players gladly | Could underestimate Scottish game given profile in England |
| Years of top level managerial experience | Criticisms of pragmatic style which may not please Rangers fans |
