Yes, it is fair to say that the unexpected move, made less than 24 hours after Philippe Clement had paid the price for Rangers’ poor domestic form and been handed his P45, to bring in a quartet of club legends to oversee football matters until the end of the 2024/25 season, was not universally well received. The outpouring of rage and incredulity has nothing to do with Ferguson, McCann, Dodds, or McGregor’s popularity on Govan Road. They are still esteemed characters among those who recall their successful and trophy-laden playing days. Their meagre and rather mediocre coaching resumes, however, have not gone overlooked.

 

Ferguson, a former Light Blues captain and midfielder who has been inducted into the Hall of Fame, has played for lower league clubs Clyde, Kelty Hearts, and Alloa Athletic, but has had little success. He has not worn his tracksuit in three years. He most recently appeared as a football analyst on the Go Radio phone-in. McCann was last seen in a dugout four years ago. In 2021, the BBC Scotland and Sky Sports expert was briefly in charge of Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Previously, the former Scotland winger managed Dundee for 18 months. During his time at Dens Park, he contributed to the club’s continued success. But he was sacked after a disappointing start to his second full season.

Dodds, who has been assistant at Queen of the South, Dundee and Ross County over the years, worked wonders when he was at Caledonian Thistle. He led the Highlanders into the Premiership play-off final and through to the Scottish Cup final despite a constant backdrop of financial uncertainty. But his services were also dispensed with at the beginning of last term with his side in bottom spot in the Championship.

(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.McGregor, who last fought in 2023, has never worked as a senior coach. So, aside from their close relationship with and respect for Rangers, what credentials do the four men possess? How about their availability? Bringing them in to work alongside current coach Issame Charai has sparked, correctly or unfairly, claims that the 55-time Scottish champions are being run like a bar team. Surely, there were more suitable individuals available on short notice. Draughting Russell Martin, the former Rangers and Scotland centre-back who guided Southampton to the Premier League in England last season, would not have elicited such a violent reaction, for example. 

With Rangers 15 points ahead of third-placed Aberdeen in the William Hill Premiership league and only 11 games left, Ferguson should be able to secure second place and a Champions League qualifying spot. But how would a man who has never coached in a full-time league cope against Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead next month? The prospect appeals to supporters of the Scottish champions-elect. They’re counting down the days until someone they loathe crosses the River Clyde. Before that, there is a not-so-small issue of a Europa League last-16 double header against Turkish club Fenerbahce. Their opponents are managed by none other than Jose Mourinho, a world-famous coach and larger-than-life character who has operated at the highest level in his native Portugal, England, Italy and Spain for over two decades.

The new management team will not be in place long-term. But if things go awry then it can certainly have an adverse impact on the club as a whole and the caretaker personally.

Graeme Murty, the Auchenhowie youth coach who stepped up after Mark Warburton departed and then Pedro Caixinha was binned in 2017, found the role hugely challenging.

Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.After suffering two consecutive derby loses, he was removed from his job. He was so stunned by his charges’ 5-0 defeat in Glasgow’s East End that he was unable to face the reporters afterward. Aside from their great continental campaign, Rangers fans have had yet another difficult season. However, they will undoubtedly support the new leaders between now and May. Who knows. Perhaps having four Scots who have spent the majority of their careers playing in this country will result in an increase in domestic performance. Clement was regularly accused of failing to understand what was required, both physically and strategically, to grind out results against local competitors. Perhaps Ferguson McCann, Dodds and McGregor will. They have their backers in among all of the snipers.

Still, there is no getting away from the fact that this is a downright bizarre and completely inexplicable decision by chief executive Patrick Stewart. If Barry Ferguson was the answer then what exactly was the question? Did the former Manchester United official think that drafting in some true blue sorts to oversee matters would get brassed-off Bears back onside? If he did then he was sorely mistaken.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk