Barry Ferguson: Rangers head coach mentioned he could not flip down the chance after shock name | Soccer Information

Barry Ferguson says he was “stunned” at being requested to change into Rangers head coach and has known as for him to be judged on the finish of the season.

Philippe Clement was sacked on Sunday after 16 months in cost, with coaches Alex Rae, Colin Stewart and Stephan van der Heyden additionally departing.

Ferguson has had only one coaching session forward of taking his first sport at Kilmarnock on Wednesday, dwell on Sky Sports activities, after being appointed on Monday following a whirlwind 24 hours.

Ferguson has introduced former gamers Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor again to the membership as coaches, and they’ll work alongside Issame Charai – who was appointed Clement’s assistant simply final month.

“It is clearly been hectic however it’s additionally been pleasurable,” mentioned Ferguson talking in his first press convention on Tuesday. “Stunned that I acquired the decision on Sunday however it solely took 5 minutes to agree.

“Then it was a case of me making an attempt to get my workers collectively which took solely 10 or 12 hours. I used to be fearful it was going to pull on a bit however fortunately it wasn’t the case and I acquired the three guys I wished to come back in.”

Ferguson received 5 top-flight titles, 5 League Cups and 5 Scottish Cups throughout his two spells as a participant at Ibrox.

As a supervisor, he has had spells at Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa Athletic, in addition to being Blackpool caretaker, though says he wasn’t contemplating a return to the dugout till Rangers known as.

“I would not be sitting right here if I did not really feel prepared,” mentioned Ferguson, who had been working at Rangers as a membership ambassador. “I went down a distinct route and got here again and did a distinct function.

“Did I need to get into teaching and administration? I wasn’t desirous about it however when that telephone name got here there was no approach I used to be going to show it down.

“Choose me on the finish of the three months. I’ve no subject with that. Everyone seems to be entitled to their opinion. I am not taking this calmly. I’d quite be judged come the top of the season however I additionally know I will be judged game-to-game, that is the character of the beast at Rangers.”

Ferguson mentioned he hadn’t spoken to Clement following his departure and insisted he is not desirous about whether or not he’ll land the everlasting job.

Rangers are 13 factors behind Celtic within the Scottish Premiership forward of going through Kilmarnock on Wednesday and have reached the Europa League final 16. Ferguson is aware of he should make an instantaneous impression.

“I’ve not acquired lengthy as a result of I’ve solely had one coaching session however I am not going to make use of that as an excuse when it comes to the sport in opposition to Kilmarnock,” he mentioned.

“We got here in final night time at about 4.30pm and me and the teaching workers sat down for 4 or 5 hours. We needed to undergo plenty of issues so we had been prepared and ready for the boys coming on this morning.

“I’ve not stuffed them with an excessive amount of info as a result of I feel it is too quick discover however they completely perceive which approach we will go in opposition to an excellent Kilmarnock group and an excellent, skilled supervisor.

“I count on to win video games of soccer. I count on them to provide me every little thing they have. That is one factor me and my teaching workers will give them. I had a quick assembly for 5 or 10 minutes immediately and I acquired it throughout. They absolutely perceive my expectations of them.

“I used to be at each video games [home defeats]. I might see it was clearly a bunch low on confidence. My job is to select that up and I’ve definitely acquired a response. Driving on this morning at 7am that was my thought course of – I wanted to get a kick out of those guys they usually definitely gave me it. I could not have requested for any extra of them. I am assured I’ll get an increase out of them.”

James Tavernier will stay as captain and Ferguson revealed he has spoken with the right-back on Monday.

“I do not suppose there was any want to vary,” he mentioned. “I had a superb chat with him final night time. It was good to get a superb sit down with him. I seemed him within the eyes and there isn’t any doubt he’ll give me 100 per cent.”

Of his coaches, Ferguson mentioned: “Each Neil and Billy have expertise of being managers at a superb stage,” he mentioned. “They’ve performed for the membership, alongside Allan, they know the expectations.

“They’re bubbly across the place, huge characters, wish to get amongst the boys which is vital as a result of the final couple of weeks has been troublesome for the gamers.

“It was vital I acquired the proper folks in and likewise myself, it is vital the gamers really feel snug round good folks and likewise good coaches.”