5 Rangers takeaways from Barry Ferguson press conference as irked interim boss ditches mantra and vows to end home hurt

The caretaker boss has just three games left in charge this season as the club prepares for a stunning takeover

When Barry Ferguson first took on the role as Rangers' interim boss he refused to look further ahead than his next game.

But after getting a taste of life in the dug-out - that’s all changed.

With time marching on ahead of NEXT season amidst a potential US takeover, Ferguson can’t help thinking about what the future might hold.

And not knowing exactly what it looks like is now, understandably, beginning to frustrate the Ibrox icon.

It was written all over his face at the pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s game against Aberdeen.

Ferguson was quizzed on a variety of topics, including his own situation, a possible squad overhaul, Gers’ wretched home form and one player’s season-ending injury.

Here are Record Sport’s five takeaways from the Auchenhowie presser:

Fergie's Future

Initially, the stand-in gaffer distanced himself from any talk linking him with the job full-time.

But it’s now clear that he’d love to be the permanent Rangers manager and Philippe Clement’s long-term successor.

Most fans believe the 49ers Enterprises’ summer takeover will mean a new man at the helm for the start of next term.

But Ferguson is refusing to rule himself out after his lengthy discussions with new sporting director Kevin Thelwell.

His personality is such that, of course, he believes he can do the job and bring success back to Ibrox.

But as the season draws to a close, Ferguson wants answers on his future as soon as possible.

He claims to be completely in the dark as to what the plans are regarding a new gaffer. He admitted here it’s a ‘sticky situation’.

With just three games left of his Ibrox stint - and 74 days before their first Champions League qualifier in July - he’s desperate to know whether he’s in the frame.

You get the impression he’s got a clear idea of what he would do with the squad, who he’d let go and who he’d want to bring in.

But until Thelwell or Andrew Cavenagh make their decision, Ferguson is in a state of limbo.

Player Uncertainty

As well as Ferguson being eager for answers, he revealed that it’s not ideal for players either who don’t know if they’ll be at Rangers or elsewhere next season.

With the Americans set to arrive with a fresh injection of cash and ambitions to win trophies - there will surely be an overhaul of the squad.

Rangers have some players whose contracts are running out, like Leon Balogun, Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence.

While others like skipper James Tavernier and Scotland defender John Souttar have a year left on their deals.

That’s where you’d like to think that Thelwell will be working away in the background with how the squad might look next year before he officially joins from Everton.

Because when a new manager turns up for the first day of pre-season this summer, the last thing they’ll want is uncertainty or unease within the group.

That’s why Ferguson wants clarity on certain things as quickly as possible.

Instant Success is Possible

The Premiership table doesn’t lie and tells you Celtic are miles ahead of Rangers right now.

That’s both on the pitch, where Brendan Rodgers’ champions have been ultra-consistent - but also off it with plenty of money in the Parkhead coffers.

But with billionaire owners set to come in at Ibrox, it could give Gers a huge lift this summer.

The big question is, how quickly can they turn things around and catch their Old Firm rivals?

Ferguson’s attitude and demeanour on that subject today couldn’t have made his views any clearer.

He was unequivocal. As far as he’s concerned, if the right decisions are made by Thelwell and 49ers Enterprises, he believes Rangers can get on top again next season.

He agreed that Ange Postecoglou at Celtic a few years ago was evidence of that - along with other examples across the game.

And listening to him, there’s a real hunger from Ferguson that - if given the chance - he can lead it and quickly get Rangers winning again.

Ibrox Agony

Ferguson is well aware that results at home while he’s been in charge have been nowhere near good enough.

It’s now seven games since they won at Ibrox, with Aberdeen up next on Sunday.

The manager isn’t trying to sugar-coat it but he’s slightly irked that he’s been associated with that wretched spell - even though Clement was gaffer for two of those matches.

And he’s got a point when he says three of them were against top quality opposition in Celtic, Fenerbahce and Athletic Bilbao - when he was reduced to 10 men early doors.

Ferguson isn’t daft and knows the club inside out. So he takes full responsibility for unacceptable defeats to Hibs and Motherwell.

That’s why he’s desperate to end the run against the Dons and also Dundee United in midweek, which could be his last game at Ibrox as boss.

As a fan and former captain, the home hoodoo is clearly hurting Ferguson and he’s urged the players to put it to bed this weekend.

Hagi Heartache

Record Sport broke the news shortly before Ferguson’s press conference that Hagi has kicked his last ball for Rangers.

The Romanian playmaker - who is out of contract in the summer and set to move on - was injured in the Old Firm draw at Ibrox last week.

The manager confirmed that his campaign is over and there was genuine sadness in his voice when talking about Hagi.

He’s had trials and tribulations at Rangers but no-one could ever question his attitude and Ferguson spoke fondly of him.

He was sympathetic to the fact the 26-year-old won’t get a proper Ibrox farewell.

With three Premiership games left, it will be interesting to see if Ferguson gives some fringe men game time.

One of them, loanee Neraysho Kasanwirjo, wasn’t expected to return from injury before the summer ahead of his return to Feyenoord.

But he’s back in the squad with the gaffer hinting he could get some game time against Aberdeen, Dundee United or Hibs.