Rangers

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

Image source, SNS

With rumours swirling over an imminent return to Rangers for their title-winning manager Steven Gerrard, the fanbase appears split over the wisdom of such a reappointment.

His mid-season departure for the Premier League, much like Brendan Rodgers before him, left a bitter taste in some fans' mouths, making the prospect of his return difficult for them to swallow, not least because his record since leaving Rangers is unimpressive.

But others point to the manner in which he overhauled an average squad to create an invincible, record-breaking team to stop Celtic's seemingly inevitable capture of ten in a row as well as restoring Rangers' credibility in Europe.

His profile is also one that commands respect and may appeal to the prospective new American owners of the club.

But where Gerrard previously had the wisdom of Gary McAllister and the innovative coaching ability of Michael Beale to aid him, the talk is of a backroom team involving the much-loved but inexperienced Steven Davis and highly talented but even less experienced coaching-wise Jordan Henderson.

If the speculation is accurate, there is less tactical acumen there than in the duo just released by the club of Billy Dodds and Neil McCann.

The names of Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin are still being circulated but it is Gerrard who is attracting all the headlines right now.

One way or another, it appears Rangers supporters will soon know the identity of their new manager.

Rangers fans, would you like to see Gerrard reappointed?

Tell us here

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David Healy, a former team-mate of Steven Davis with both Rangers and Northern Ireland, has said the former midfielder would be "an asset" if he were to become part of the backroom staff at the Scottish Premiership giants.

Davis has been linked with a coaching role at Rangers should Steven Gerrard return for a second spell as boss.

Gerrard is understood to be one of the leading contenders to take charge after Barry Ferguson's interim term in charge came to an end.

Davis was put in temporary control of first-team affairs following the departure of former manager Michael Beale in October 2023.

The 40-year-old was caretaker boss for two games, a Europa League defeat by Aris Limassol and a league win over St Mirren, before Philippe Clement was appointed to the position on a permanent basis.

As a player, Davis made a total of 239 appearances for Rangers during two spells with the club.

"Steve has had the privilege and the honour of being in [at Rangers as a coach] for a little bit and I don't think it fazed him," said Northern Ireland's record men's international goalscorer Healy.

"I don't think anything ever fazed Steve as a player or as a person. He's pretty relaxed, he's pretty comfortable in his own tone and what he wants to say.

"If Rangers feel, when the new manager comes in, whoever he's going to be, feels there's an opportunity for Steve to go in. I think Steve would be an asset to have at Rangers, no matter who the manager is."

Davis is currently part of Michael O'Neill's backroom set-up with Northern Ireland, for whom he won a record 140 caps.

"I know he's going through the process at the minute where he's going to do his coaching badges," said O'Neill.

"He's going through the process of learning and, for me, there is no better role model or apprenticeship than to be working with or in and around Michael O'Neill, who is an incredibly talented coach."

Relegated Leicester City are in advanced talks to appoint former Southampton head coach and ex-Rangers and Scotland defender Russell Martin as their new manager after deciding to sack Ruud van Nistelrooy. (Football Insider), external

Steven Gerrard is set to hold talks with Rangers over the next 48 hours with a view to returning to Ibrox as the club's next manager and the 44-year-old Englishman will not face any tax complications, previously thought to be a possible stumbling block, following his exit from Saudi Arabia in January. (Daily Mail), external

Steven Gerrard has asked Rangers for more time to talk over his return to Glasgow as manager with his wife, Alex, who had hoped they could move from Bahrain to Dubai, but is thought likely to bring former Ibrox midfielder Steven Davis and ex-Anfield team-mate Jordan Henderson with him should he take the job. (Daily Record), external

Betting has been suspended on Steven Gerrard being named the new Rangers head coach, with former Liverpool team-mate Djibril Cisse saying the Englishman is unable to attend his anniversary match next week "for professional reasons". (Glasgow Times), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Following the confirmation that Barry Ferguson is leaving Rangers, we asked for your views on his brief tenure.

Here's what some of you said:

John: Ferguson was put in a difficult position and did well with what he had to play with. Unfortunately we all know this squad just isn't good enough. Although he's leaving the manager's role, I hope they make some space for him in a coaching capacity as he has a lot to offer and is a potential Gers manager in the making.

Allan: Lots of people are saying Ferguson did well with the tools he had, which I agree with, but so did Philippe Clement. They had the same set of players and got the same inconsistent play and results. The team is good at counter-attacking but not good at trying to break down a low block. That is the conundrum for the new manager, to be able to do both.

Murray: Ferguson plugged the holes in a sinking ship, but that's all. His press conferences were both refreshing and alarming when he kept saying "my team" and seemed to be a "me" instead of "we". He also refused to give fringe players a try and was more interested in looking good himself with mediocre wins than trying out players for next season. I'm glad he didn't get the job full-time.

Neil: I thought Barry, Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor did a decent job given the tools he had to work with. These players in a number of cases have been responsible for a number of managers losing their jobs. The highlights were Fenerbahce away and the penalties at Ibrox and the win at Parkhead. I felt Barry and the boys answered the call from Rangers in difficult circumstances and showed what the club means to each of them.

Alan: Not manager material at such a big club but room for improvement, could be a good assistant.

Bobby: The right decision in the end. Ferguson's chances of getting the job permanently were already slim. He didn't get a reaction out of the players who served up the same dross under Clement. His time as manager will be forgotten about quickly.

Ronnie: I feel for Barry. He wanted the job so badly and was let down so many times by a group of players who have been inconsistent all season. Barry didn't fail, the players did. He showed enough in his gameplan and team selections, plus the ability to change things during a game, to convince me at least he could have done the job permanently. However, the decision has been made and I will get behind the new manager. I personally would have Stevie Gerrard or Gio van Bronckhorst back.

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

If ever a 90 minutes summed up our season, the 2-2 draw with Hibs was it.

Start well, referee Nick Walsh does Nick Walsh things. Then we go ahead again, switch off, concede, and miss a few good chances.

I'm glad the season is over and glad to see the club backing John Brown, external as well over his strong criticism on Rangers TV of refereeing standards. It's about time the club stood up for itself.

Barry Ferguson is leaving and so too is Leon Balogun. Hopefully it's the start of a sweeping change at the club.

This season will be consigned to the bin very quickly. We will learn nothing analysing it or going over the wrongdoings of managers and board members along the way.

Let's just be thankful it's over and hopefully we have more positive times just around the corner.

There is a lot of work to be done for whoever the new manager will be. There should be a massive turnover of staff but the one thing I am hoping for as a fan is a transfer strategy that builds a spine of the team that can handle the pressure and intensity of being a Rangers player.

Let's see what the summer brings.

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has been identified as the Ibrox club's preferred candidate following the decision not to retain interim head coach Barry Ferguson, with Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti and former Southampton boss Russell Martin having also been on the shortlist. (Daily Mail), external

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and former Ibrox defender Russell Martin have emerged as the leading contenders to be the club's next team boss and a decision could be made by the end of this week following final talks. (Scottish Sun), external

Former Southampton manager Russell Martin is a serious contender to be Rangers head coach, but Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti has also held discussions with the Scottish Premiership club and former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard remains under consideration. (TeamTalk), external

Danny Rohl's multi-million-pound release clause with Sheffield Wednesday is likely to prohibit a Rangers move for the highly-rated coach. (Football Insider), external

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti are just two names that have been sounded out over taking charge at Ibrox, while former Southampton manager Russell Martin, ex-Luton Town boss Rob Edwards are also under consideriation and Sheffield Wednesday's Danny Rohl could also make the final shortlist, with no front runner at this stage. (Sky Sports), external

Bookmakers have slashed the odds on Steven Gerrard returning to Rangers as manager and he has emerged as favourite with the Ibrox club waiting on a response from Real Madrid Davide Ancelotti, who is considering his options amid interest from a number of clubs this summer. (Glasgow Times), external

Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti is leaving the Spanish club with father Carlo, who is taking charge of the Brazil national team, but is expected to move on after the two World Cup qualifiers with Ecuador and Paraguay in June to begin his career as a head coach. (The Athletic), external

The Scottish FA compliance officer is set to review comments made by former defender John Brown on Rangers TV querying the integrity of officials during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hibernian. (The Herald), external

Rangers have branded the possibility of disciplinary action after John Brown's "corrupt" outburst on Rangers TV as "excessive, surprising and inconsistent". (The National), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Rangers fans, following the confirmation Barry Ferguson will leave his role as interim head coach, we want your views on his time in charge.

The former captain had mixed results during in his short stint, but there were certainly some positive memories in there.

What stands out to you from his tenure? And how will his brief reign be remembered?

Send us your thoughts

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Rangers ended the season with a four-goal thriller against Hibernian at Easter Road and three of Barry Ferguson's men have made my team of the week.

James Tavernier: An assured performance. Provided the assist for the Raskin goal.

Nicolas Raskin: A goal, an assist and provided more chances than any other Rangers player. Also had an effort controversially ruled out. Has become a hugely important player.

Cyriel Dessers: Finishes the season as Premiership top scorer with 18 - two ahead of Daizen Maeda and Simon Murray both on 16. Must be hugely satisfying for Dessers given all the debate that surrounds him. Another goal to open the scoring against Hibs.

Watch the Sportscene panel discuss the decision to disallow Rangers a second goal in the first half of their 2-2 draw at Hibernian.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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After helping Dundee secure their Premiership status for another season, midfielder Lyall Cameron is backing himself to "make an impression" at Rangers next term.

The 22-year-old scored twice as the Dens Park side defeated St Johnstone 2-0 at McDiarmid Park on Sunday.

The result ensured Dundee finished 10th in the top flight, avoiding an end-of-season relegation play-off with Livingston, and now Cameron can now turn his attention to the next chapter in his career at Ibrox.

"I haven't really had much time to think about it, obviously there has been so much going on and I was just wanting to make sure my full attention was on Dundee," he said.

"But now that it's done it will probably start to kick in more and I'm really looking forward to it.

"I know it's going to be hard and I don't expect to walk into the team every week. I was criticised for my decision, people think I might not play every week, but that's the way football is.

"You back yourself and I'm confident in my ability that I can go and try and make an impression and do as well as I can for Rangers.

"That is my goal and when I get there I will just take it as it comes and hopefully it all goes well."

Former Ibrox hero Paul Gascoigne thinks Rangers could be the perfect fit for Jamie Vardy as the 38-year-old striker prepares to leave Leicester City. (CasinoBeats via Daily Record, external)

Ally McCoist, who tried to bring Jamie Vardy to Ibrox in 2012, says: "I would take him in two minutes at Rangers, I really would" but reckons the veteran striker already has a move lined up. (talkSPORT via Ibrox News, external)

Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin reckons Scottish Premiership clubs need to start investing properly in VAR technology if they want the league to be taken seriously as a top-level competition. (Daily Mail), external

Read the rest of Monday's Scottish gossip.

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Watch all the action from Hibernian's 2-2 draw with Rangers in their final Scottish Premiership game.

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Midfielder Nicolas Raskin says he'll remain at Rangers "as long as the club wants me" amid reported interest from clubs in England.

Rangers are reportedly keen to tie down the Belgian, whose contract expires in 2027, to a new deal.

Raskin, who was named Rangers' player of the year, scored and had a goal disallowed in Rangers' 2-2 draw in the final game of the season on Saturday.

"I've been enjoying myself this season and it's not so often that you can enjoy yourself in a club, so I'm really happy here," he said.

"I've got two more seasons in my contract, so as long as the club wants me, I'll be here and then we'll see what happens."

Having been led by interim manager Barry Ferguson for the latter stage of the Premiership campaign, the Ibrox club are expected to appoint someone new this summer.

"It's going to be a big change in the summer, so who knows what's going to happen," Raskin added.

"I don't know. We need to be successful next season. We're coming back on the 23 of June, so it's not that far away. We need to plan the pre-season and all this."

We asked for your views on Rangers' 2-2 draw against Hibs.

Here's what some of you said:

Jim: Obviously it's been a hard season we certainly need the investment coming from the 49ers but we are not a million miles away. Hopefully we make the right appointment for a manager, exciting times ahead! Barry Ferguson should be proud of his stint as manager, done with pride and honour and certainly showed what a true Ranger he is.

John: Nicolas Raskin is class, better than Arne Engels at £11million. We should ask for £15m at least. Barry Ferguson, thanks for your effort, time for a more experienced man.

Torquil: Raskin's effort was not a goal. The pictures show that the ball did not entirely cross the goal line or the goal post. The linesman was correctly positioned on the byline, and could see this.

Jimmy: The ball was over the line, everyone except the referee and VAR saw this, why did VAR not stop the game before they went up the field and equalised?

Robert: Glad this arduous season is over with. I hope the takeover happens soon and we appoint a new manager soon to take us forward and challenge in all competitions next season. On the goal that wasn't given I can't understand the excuse given by the SFA, the ball clearly rebounds backwards after coming off the inside of the post and quite clearly is over the line.

Joseph: The goal that supposedly didn't cross the line is probably the worst decision I have ever seen in Scottish football since I started watching it 45 years ago. Everybody in the stadium could see it was a goal apart from the referee and the VAR official. Just as well this game didn't determine anything important.

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• Rangers are undefeated in their last six games in the Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 29 December 2024 to 16 February 2025, a run of nine games.

• Hibernian have failed to win in their last three games in the Premiership, their last longer winless streak was from 29 September 2024 to 26 November 2024, a run of nine games.

• Cyriel Dessers has scored in each of his last five games in the Premiership (six goals), his longest scoring streak in the competition.

• Nicky Cadden has assisted seven goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Hibernian player.

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We already know Celtic will be in the Champions League play-off round.

And that Rangers will start in the second qualifying stage.

Hibernian, Dundee United and Aberdeen will all be in Europe, too, but the outcome of Saturday's Scottish Cup final will decide who enters which competition and when.

If Celtic win the Scottish Cup...

Hibs will be in the Europa League play-off round. Win that, and they will be in the competition proper. Lose, and it will be the Conference League until Christmas.

Either way, good games and good money.

United will enter the Europa League at the second qualifying round, with the second chance of Conference League preliminaries.

And Aberdeen will enter the Conference League at the second qualifying round.

If Aberdeen win the Scottish Cup...

They will be the ones who will be guaranteed continental combat until December.

Hibs would go into the Europa second qualifying round, with the safety net of a second shot in the Conference preliminaries. But no assured league stage football.

And Dundee United would enter the Conference League second qualifying round.

Hibernian and Rangers played out a thrilling four-goal draw amid controversial scenes on the final day of the Scottish Premiership top six.

Barry Ferguson's side twice took the lead, thanks to goals from Cyriel Dessers and Nicolas Raskin, but on both occasions they were pegged back - initially in very controversial circumstances.

Kieran Bowie got Hibs' first equaliser, moments after Raskin thought he had scored before Rocky Bushiri cleared.

Did the ball cross the line? Referee Nick Walsh and VAR Andrew Dallas thought not, and could not find a camera angle that proved it either way.

Martin Boyle scored the second leveller, connecting with a Nicky Cadden cross for his 20th goal this season in all competitions - a fine way to celebrate his new deal.

What did you make of that, Rangers fans? Who impressed you, and who do you want out in the summer?

And tell us about that goal that wasn't given. Let us know your thoughts.

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

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It might not have been a win, but it was one of the better performances under interim head coach Ferguson - and perhaps that should not be a surprise.

After all, there was no pressure on this game. Second place has been wrapped up for a while, but there wasn't a bad home run to end, or a fierce rival to overcome.

Unburdened by the weight of expectation, they played free-flowing, attacking football that highlighted the abilities of Dessers, Raskin, Mo Diomande and Vaclav Cerny.

Why couldn't they play like this more often? Can these players just not handle the scrutiny that being a Rangers player comes with? On this evidence, maybe.

That might not be a problem for long, given the summer that is on the way. The winds of change are blowing at Rangers and some of these players might not be at Ibrox next season.

If that is the case maybe some youngsters, notably Bailey Rice who seems to be part of the future, could have been given more of a chance in the next few weeks.

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Rangers interim head coach Barry Ferguson tells BBC Scotland: "It was crazy. Some of our play was really good, but we could have won by a number of goals. That's frustrating, we weren't ruthless in brilliant positions.

"It was a clear goal, it was there for everybody [to see]. It was clear to me it was over the line, then it goes to VAR and for some odd reason, they don't see it being a goal.

"That's frustrating, disappointing, and worrying. We need to be getting these decisions correct, that's why VAR is here. It's clear VAR's not working.

"I've watched it five or six times. It's clear as day that the ball is over the line."

On his future, Ferguson adds: "It's been a brilliant three months, I've loved every single minute of it. We'll see over the next few days the way the club will go forward.

"I had a role before at the club which I really enjoyed, before this got sprung on me. I'd have been an absolute mug not to take it.

"I knew there was going to be challenges, but anyone who knows me personally knows I'm not scared of a challenge. It's a challenge I'd be more than willing to take on.

"It's not a project. It's about winning now. You can't come in and have a couple of years to get it right. You need to get it right in the summer, get a team on the pitch that's capable of playing in Europe, capable of playing 50-60 games a season.

"The profile needs to be spot on. Because it's far too long that Celtic have been dominant. We need to get back to challenging.

"Other managers have come in and never worked in this league, but it's a challenging, difficult league that does not get enough credit. You need to get it right and if you don't, you'll suffer.

"There's a hell of a lot of work to be done, but that has to be the case. It's an exciting time."

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Nicolas Raskin. One of Rangers' best players in the last couple of weeks, he was the orchestrator of plenty of their attacks, feeding Vaclav Cerny, Cyriel Dessers and Danilo in front of him.

Created more chances than any other Rangers player, drove them forward into the final third and got a goal as well.