Rangers appoint Barry Ferguson as interim boss

Scottish Premiership giants Rangers on Monday appointed Barry Ferguson as interim manager until the end of the season following the sacking of Philippe Clement.

The Glasgow club announced the Belgian's departure on Sunday, a day after a 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren.

Second-placed Rangers are 13 points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Premiership and suffered a shock Scottish Cup defeat to Queen's Park earlier this month.

Ex-Scotland midfielder Ferguson, 47, won multiple trophies at Ibrox during his playing career and has managed Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa.

Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart welcomed Ferguson back during a "difficult time".

He told the club's website: "Philippe and his team have worked tirelessly during their time at the club and have played an important role in developing the first team's young players.

"I want to reiterate, the issues we are facing run deeper than the manager. The ongoing football review seeks to address those issues and we will continue to implement its findings in the coming weeks and months ahead of appointing a new, permanent manager."

Clement succeeded Michael Beale in October 2023 and led Rangers to the League Cup trophy two months after his appointment.

The former Club Brugge and Monaco boss briefly hauled Rangers into title contention last season but they eventually finished eight points adrift of Celtic.

The club are on course for a trophyless domestic season but are in the last 16 of the Europa League, with a two-legged tie against Fenerbahce next month.

Former Rangers and Scotland star Ally McCoist believes a "long-term fix" is needed at Ibrox.

"I think there has been a weakness on and off the pitch to tell you the truth," he told Talksport radio. "So it is a combination of things.

"It is going to be a long-term fix because the difference now between the two clubs (Rangers and Celtic) is as big as it has been in a long, long time."

Ferguson's first game in the dugout will be Wednesday's Scottish Premiership trip to Kilmarnock.