‘I just want my club to get back to where it belongs’ – Ferguson
Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland
Barry Ferguson says his Rangers future “needs to get sorted soon” as the club have a “lot of work to do” after their Europa League exit to Athletic Bilbao confirmed a trophy-less season.
Goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams at San Mames ended Rangers’ journey in the quarter-finals after Ferguson had guided them past Fenerbahce in the last 16.
The former club captain replaced Philippe Clement in February until the end of the season and has won four, lost four, and drawn two of his 10 matches in charge.
“Where this leaves me now is I’m going to finish the season as strongly as possible,” Ferguson said when asked about his future.
“I’ve not sat down and talked about it – but it needs to get sorted soon because as a club we need to do a lot of work.
“The club needs to get back challenging. I just want my club to get back to where it should be, whether it’s me or someone else.”
Ferguson admitted Rangers were beaten by a “quality side” in Bilbao.
However, he lamented two decisions he felt could have changed the game, including a shirt pull on Cyriel Dessers that might have resulted in a penalty and red card when the match was goalless.
But the officials were unmoved and Athletic pressed home their dominance to reach the semi-finals.
Now with just five league games left and the title all but gone, Ferguson’s fate will be part of the focus for Rangers amid the potential for a takeover and a squad overhaul.
“I was enjoying myself, but I got an opportunity not many people get,” he said. “I would have been crazy to knock it back.
“All I was focused on was making sure the three months were as enjoyable as possible. My main objective is to make sure we get the club back to a strong position because this season has been way off what is required.”
‘I’d love to have Barry here next season’
Rangers captain James Tavernier gave his backing to Ferguson in the aftermath of the Athletic defeat.
The 33-year-old also took responsibility for his part in the second goal in Bilbao, saying he was organising but “switched off” as Oscar de Marcos picked out Williams.
“We have to reflect on this season, it’s not been good enough,” the defender added. “There’s going to be a lot of change, it can only get better.
“I’ve been really happy since Barry came in, he’s steadied the ship and knows the DNA of the club. I’d love to have Barry here next season, it’s not up to me.”
What did the pundits say?
Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson
If I was in Barry’s shoes now, I’d be looking at the younger players in the next five games. Get them into the squad so you can see if they are good enough to step up.
It’s a horrible situation to be in because as a player you always want something to play for.
Former Rangers striker Steven Naismith
This next month is dead time. Until there’s confirmation of the takeover, it’s going to be really tough to motivate everybody.
When you’ve got nothing to play for, subconsciously the level drops.
Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday
Clearly the squad needs significant investment. There’s going to be a huge turnover of players and to do that successfully you need money.
Have your say
Let us know what you think, Rangers fans.
Should Ferguson be the permanent Rangers manager? How should he approach the final five games of the season?
