Barry Ferguson will no doubt feel he could have taken Rangers in a far better direction had the club chosen him over Russell Martin as permanent manager. After impressing as interim boss at the end of the 2024/25 season, Ferguson was considered for the role full-time, but Andrew Cavenagh instead appointed Martin. His tenure quickly collapsed, leading to Danny Rohl’s arrival and the beginning of a new era at Ibrox.
Many supporters believed Ferguson deserved a proper opportunity, especially after securing standout victories over Fenerbahce and Celtic during his short spell in charge. One decision he insists he would have made is the signing of Lawrence Shankland.
The Hearts striker has been outstanding in the Premiership this season, scoring eight goals in 15 matches and helping drive his club’s title charge.
On The Go Radio Football Show Podcast (8 December), Ferguson revealed he would have pushed hard to bring Shankland—who was initially available for free—to Rangers.
“He was a total no-brainer,” Ferguson said. “His all-round game has developed so much since Belgium. It’s frustrating Rangers didn’t take him on a free, because he’d have been excellent.”
The club’s refusal to pursue Shankland—and to overlook Ferguson—now looks like a major misstep.
Shankland’s double in Hearts’ historic win at Ibrox earlier this season was a painful reminder of what might have been. With those chances gone, Rohl must now look to maximise the output of the attackers he has.
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