Promise of 'new era' at Rangers fires up Ferguson

Ferguson has been in interim charge since Philippe Clement was sacked

Barry Ferguson insists he is excited about the future for Rangers, whether he stays on as head coach or not, after meeting prospective new owners and incoming sporting director Kevin Thelwell.

The interim boss has previously spoken of his desire to stay on beyond the end of the season but said he will not "spit the dummy out" if the club seek a fresh start.

American investors, including Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group, are exploring a takeover, with a delegation visiting Ibrox this week.

Ferguson welcomed the group to the training centre but explained the exchange was brief since he was preparing for Sunday's meeting with Celtic.

"It's something the club has been wanting, outside investment," he said. "It looks to me like it's going along smoothly and we're just waiting to get the thumbs up.

"It's the start of a new era for the club and it certainly needs it.

"Like everybody else, I'm just looking forward to the day it gets signed off and hopefully it's a brighter future for Rangers."

Thelwell is leaving Everton at the end of this season to join Rangers.

"I was impressed by him, but what was said will remain private," Ferguson said of their conversation. "I think it will work really well for the club.

"It was great to bang heads together. He got my feelings and he totally understood them.

"There has to be a lot of changes to try and make this club successful again, because it's built on winning trophies.

"If I'm not going to be here, I'm excited about the prospect of new owners coming in and Kevin coming in.

"I'm comfortable with the situation. It's been an amazing couple of months for me. A few ups and downs, but it's given me a taste for it.

"Of course I would take it [the manager's job]. If I don't get it, I'm not going to spit the dummy out. I'll go back to my [ambassadorial] role and support the club."

'The game means a lot to me personally'

Under Ferguson in March, Rangers won at Celtic Park for the first time in five years.

However, the temporary boss is still seeking a first home victory and Celtic will arrive as champions, 17 points clear of the hosts.

"I couldn't care less about the performance, I just want the three points," he said of the derby.

"It's all about winning games of football and that's something we need to get better at.

"We know what we're coming up against. Celtic have been strong and consistent. We have not been over the season. The last couple of games [against Celtic], yes, we've got results, but it's not really got us anywhere.

"We need those levels week after week."

No Ibrox manager has won their first two league meetings with Celtic as Rangers seek a third successive derby victory for the first time since January 2021.

"The game means a lot to me personally and it needs to mean a lot to everyone within the building," Ferguson added.

"We're up against our rivals who have dominated again and that hurts. We need to give them a reminder that we're going to be here next season."