BARRY FERGUSON famously took his big chance at Rangers.
He impressed Dick Advocaat almost instantly and became THE player the Dutchman built his team around.
Barry Ferguson has been named Rangers interim boss[/caption]
The former captain returns to Ibrox alongside a trio of ex-team-mates[/caption]
They replace Philippe Clement who was sacked on Sunday[/caption]
So much so, he eventually named him captain.
Now, it’s another chance – one that the interim Rangers boss will believe he can take again.
Handed the huge opportunity after Philippe Clement‘s dismissal, Ferguson has landed his dream job as boss of Rangers.
And he’ll eventually hope to be named permanent boss this time around, all being well.
It’s only a temporary measure alongside Allan McGregor, Billy Dodds and Neil McCann for now – but can the ‘Four Lads’ in the dugout stake a solid claim for the job full-time?
They MUST arrest a slump first and foremost and looking ahead to the schedule to come – there are some MASSIVE matches on the horizon
Sunsport takes a look at five games that could prove pivotal in the homecoming heroes’ hopes of retaining the job full-time – including three MASSIVE matches in the space of 10 days.
Fenerbahce vs Rangers
Thursday, March 6
The European campaign was Philippe Clement‘s one saving grace practically keeping him in a job – and it could be the first step to the new man earning his stripes.
But my, it will be tough.
In Barry Ferguson‘s last three games as manager he faced Stevie Crawford, Martin Rennie and Jim McInally. In his next three he’s up against Derek McInnes, Michael Wimmer then Jose Mourinho.
He’s come up against the ‘Special One’ only once previously and was on the end of a 4-0 away defeat when Blackburn went to Chelsea in 2004.
Rangers vs Fenerbahce
Thursday, March 13
European nights at Ibrox have become special occasions and runs deep into the competitions have been frequent.
If Ferguson CAN see off Fenerbahce – that’s going to be a HUGE plus-point in his favour.
Not to mention in Gers’ bank balance.
The teams have only met in one two-legged clash prior to this season – and Ferguson missed it through injury.
Neil McCann played the home leg though, but Rangers went out in Istanbul.
Celtic vs Rangers
Sunday, March 16
This is probably where it matters most.
Few will understand that old adage ‘Second in Glasgow is nowhere’ than Ferguson.
European success couldn’t keep Philippe Clement in his job and it didn’t do much for Giovanni van Bronckhorst either.
Neither could gain the upper hand on Celtic and ultimately both bit the bullet.
Travelling to the other side of the city to win – most likely with around 2,500 Rangers fans rooting him on – would make a HUGE impression.
And as a player he scored three Old Firm goals – winning 14 of 20 and drawing seven.
Deliver another and he’ll be crowned a hero all over again – regardless who is the next full-time gaffer.
Barry Ferguson has scored against Celtic three times as a player – can he record a win as boss?[/caption]
Aberdeen vs Rangers
Saturday, April 12
Ferguson’s record against the Dons is a lot healthier – 22 wins from 32 as a player, and only THREE defeats.
The last game before the split against a team there or thereabouts will be another marker for the makeshift management team, and could effectively be a play-off for second-place.
The Dons put on some show the last time Gers were in town – the first time Clement came under serious job pressure.
And a repeat of the result would probably be curtains for the interim team’s long-term ambitions.
Rangers vs Celtic
Date TBC
The final Old Firm match of the season will come after the split – but the date’s yet to be decided.
Whenever it is, a win at Parkhead is a guaranteed stamp of approval for any Gers boss.
There haven’t been many lately.
The last came in the Covid season under Steven Gerrard when Connor Goldson struck a double.
He’s the last boss to win there – and another, with away fans back in too – would be a HUGE feather in the cap.
Away fans will be back in at Ibrox for this one too – ramping up the atmosphere.
And the rest…
Of course, he’ll also have to take care of the other games in the William Hill Premiership too.
Big occasions are on thing but failing to take care of the bread and butter of the league is a major blot on the copybook of a prospective manager.
With a minimum of 13 games to go before the end of the season and with the Ibrox support at a low ebb, restoring some pride, some positivity AND results will be on the interim remit too.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
