Rangers Management announces the sacking of Barry Ferguson as his replacement finally confirm

Barry Ferguson is unlikely to become Rangers’ next manager permanently unless he wins the Europa League, sources have told Football Insider.

Rangers head into next week’s second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie with Athletic Bilbao level at 0-0, having drawn the first at Ibrox after Robin Propper’s red card and a Liam Kelly penalty save.

Thursday’s stalemate was the first game in six that Rangers haven’t lost at Ibrox, and that record of five straight losses – three of which have been under Ferguson – has made it “difficult” for him to get the job.

Sources have told Football Insider that Ferguson’s 57 per cent win rate means he’ll have to “shock a lot of people” and steer Rangers to the Europa League title, in order to seal a permanent appointment.

Football Insider revealed on 12 April that Rangers’ incoming owners 49ers Enterprises are hopeful of bringing in Arsenal director Jason Ayto, and he could play a key role in deciding their next manager.

For now, they’re taking their time and “doing their homework” on possible appointees at Ibrox, and while Rangers’ domestic form may spell bad news for Ferguson, European success could give the 49ers no choice.

Rangers readying headline manager appointment

While Football Insider sources aren’t optimistic that Ferguson will be given the job long-term at Ibrox, their goalless draw with Athletic Bilbao finally brings that five-game losing run to an end in Govan.

Football Insider revealed last month that the 49ers don’t plan on making a permanent manager announcement until after the end of the season, and any movements are being kept under close guard.

Steven Gerrard has distanced himself from a return to Rangers after being seen as one of the favourites for it under 49ers Enterprises’ ownership, and it remains to be seen how high their ambitions go at Ibrox.