Three things we noticed from Barry Ferguson’s first session as Rangers manager: Tempo, spirits and who’s in charge

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Barry Ferguson has taken his first training session in charge of Rangers with all eyes on whether or not there have been any changes. 

Philippe Clement’s training was described as “repetitive” by an inside source with the new Rangers manager looking to put a smile back on the faces of the current squad. 

Joined by Allan McGregor, Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Issame Charai, Ferguson’s opening bow at Auchenhowie threw up a few noticeable differences as Rangers prepare to take on Kilmarnock. 

• READ MORE: Barry Ferguson makes James Tavernier captaincy decision in first Rangers call

In a busy 12-minute video, this is what was stood out. 

Barry Ferguson casts a watchful eye over Rangers training

Clement spoke about being a hands-on coach, despite having three other coaches on his staff, he wanted to lead training. 

He infamously confirmed that he loved driving set-piece drills only to eventually hand over to Colin Stewart and Stefan van der Heyden to eventually.

On day one, Ferguson took a more observational role, similar to what Steven Gerrard used to do whilst he let the subject matter experts get to work. 

Ferguson isn’t using the shortage of time as an excuse despite a difficult opening game as manager.

Spirits have been raised 

Aside from the normal warm-up drills, Dodds led an exercise that got the players moving and having a laugh.

Yes, there is little to laugh about this season, however, it’s a fresh start and there is no point punishing the players.

Whether a cloud has been lifted by Clement being sacked or it is the influence of the new coaching staff, only time will tell. 

Tempo, tempo, tempo 

It was only a snap shot of the whole day’s training, however, every drill that was shown was done at pace. 

Dodds and McCann could be heard throughout the video either barking orders or giving words of encouragement in an attempt to keep the players on their toes.

One of the criticisms of Clement is that his side became too one dimensional and too one-paced in games that the opposition didn’t open up or leave space to attack. 

If this session is anything to go by, Ferguson’s pledge of attacking football could come true.