Barry Ferguson, the former Rangers captain and fan favorite, has weighed in on the ongoing speculation surrounding Rangers manager Philippe Clement’s future at Ibrox. Amid the club’s recent struggles, Ferguson’s comments on Clement have sparked widespread discussion, especially following John Gilligan’s recent vocal defense of the Belgian manager.
Despite Rangers currently trailing by nine points in the Scottish Premiership standings, with rivals Celtic and Aberdeen ahead, Ferguson has suggested that Clement’s job may be more secure than many fans believe. In a candid discussion on the Go Radio Football Show on 6 November, Ferguson asserted his belief that Clement will remain Rangers’ manager “for the foreseeable future.” This sentiment came despite the growing unrest among supporters, who have been increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, even bringing banners to matches to express their frustration.
The recent losses to Aberdeen and Kilmarnock have only intensified fan concerns. However, Ferguson’s comments reflect a willingness to give Clement more time, suggesting that the club’s leadership, including board member John Gilligan, may be inclined to support the manager through this rough period. Ferguson noted that Gilligan has publicly backed Clement on several occasions, urging patience and a longer-term view for the club’s prospects under the new manager.
Ferguson further elaborated that both Clement and the players simply need to “ride it out” to see how the team performs in the upcoming months. His statement suggests that the club’s board may want to wait before making any drastic decisions, a stance that contrasts sharply with the growing frustration from fans who expected a stronger start from the manager.
As fans continue to call for answers, Ferguson’s words may serve as a reminder that sometimes patience is required in football. Whether or not Clement can turn things around at Rangers remains to be seen, but for now, it seems he has the support of some key figures in the club’s hierarchy.