BARRY FERGUSON could be closing in on a stunning return to Ibrix, according to a report.
The former Rangers captain is one of the names in the frame to take over from Philippe Clement on an interim basis.
Barry Ferguson and Philippe Clement last July[/caption]
Clement, 50, was axed by Gers chiefs last night and the club have now started their hunt for his replacement.
CEO Patrick Stewart and chairman Fraser Thornton will lead the search, with many names already being linked with the vacant position.
Steven Gerrard is the favourite to take over, while SunSport understands former Rangers defender Russell Martin is also a leading contender after being sacked by Southampton.
But it’s suggested another former Light Blues man is also at the forefront of discussions.
Ferguson, 47, is believed to be one of the names Stewart and Thornton are considering.
Reports last night claimed the ex-Gers skipper was the frontrunner to replace Clement on an interim basis.
Now it’s being reported there’s been a further development with Ferguson.
TalkSPORT presenter Jim White has suggested the former Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa Athletic boss will meet Ibrox chairman Stewart for talks this morning.
Speaking on this morning’s breakfast show with Ally McCoist and Jeff Stelling, White said: “Barry Ferguson, a Rangers legend, will meet with Patrick Stewart this morning with an eye to the manager job until the end of the season.”
White went on to suggest that Ferguson will be joined by fellow ex-Gers Neil McCann and Billy Dodds in the dugout should he get the job.
SunSport understands however that McCann may not be part of the interim coaching team should Ferguson get the nod.
McCann, 50, was highly critical of Clement’s tactics over the weekend as Rangers crashed to a 2-0 defeat to St Mirren at Ibrox.
He dismissed Clement’s claims regarding his players being too nervous during the match and instead blamed the manager’s “negative” style for the shock result.
He said: “It’s a huge concern. You can talk about nerves but this is negative and that’s got to come from the manager.
“That ball should be going down the line to keep St Mirren in, this negative throwback from Jefte allows St Mirren to do that aggressive press. Now Nsiala must find Raskin, Raskin’s asking for it but he has to demand it, want the ball there.
“Then it’s a rollback to Butland, then back to Nsiala, the first pass is to Jefte but he doesn’t and goes into Raskin. What has Butland got on then?
“You have to work on these things, if you’re going to play out from the back, you have to find solutions, you have to work on what-ifs.
“I feel that Rangers over the last few games, there’s a lack of spark. I don’t think it’s nerves, it has to be demanded from the sidelines.”
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