In a week that has left the Rangers faithful both puzzled and nostalgic, former Ibrox captain Barry Ferguson has opened up emotionally about the one match that still stirs his heart for Rangers. At the same time, a sensational twist has emerged from within the club, with a recently sacked Rangers manager reportedly requesting to return to the dugout—less than a month after being shown the door.
The revelation from Ferguson came during a surprise appearance on a late-night Scottish football talk show, where the former midfielder was asked which moments still make him yearn for life at Rangers. Though Ferguson has had a complicated relationship with the club in recent years, his answer was delivered without hesitation.
“There’s only one match that still gets to me every time I see the highlights,” Ferguson said. “It was the Old Firm match in 2002 when we beat Celtic in the Scottish Cup final. That’s the one. That game makes me miss Rangers more than anything else.”
Ferguson, who captained Rangers during one of their most turbulent yet trophy-laden eras, was known for his combative midfield presence, leadership, and loyalty to the badge. However, after retiring and embarking on a managerial career of his own, his name has rarely come up in serious discussions about returning to Rangers—until now.
While Ferguson has remained mostly in the punditry world, this latest comment has ignited speculation among supporters that he might be warming to the idea of a coaching return. But as tongues were set wagging about Ferguson’s remarks, the spotlight quickly shifted to another stunning revelation: a recently sacked Rangers manager has reportedly approached the board with a request to return to the dugout.
A SHOCK RETURN REQUEST?
The former manager in question has not been officially named by the club, but several sources close to Ibrox have hinted that it is none other than Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who was controversially dismissed just weeks ago after a string of inconsistent performances and fan unrest.
Van Bronckhorst, a former Rangers player himself, had taken the club to the Europa League final and won the Scottish Cup, yet struggled to maintain consistent league dominance. His sacking came swiftly and somewhat unexpectedly, especially considering his legacy with the team both on and off the pitch.
Now, according to multiple insider reports, van Bronckhorst is understood to have requested informal talks with the Rangers board, citing “unfinished business” and a “renewed energy” to take the team forward. The Dutchman is said to believe that he was not given sufficient backing in the transfer market and that with the right structure, he could bring stability and silverware back to Ibrox.
WHY BARRY FERGUSON’S COMMENTS MATTER
While Ferguson has not coached at the highest level like some of his contemporaries, he remains an iconic figure in the Rangers community. His deep-rooted understanding of what it means to represent the badge makes his insights particularly resonant. When asked what it is about that 2002 match that haunts him, Ferguson was emotional.
“It wasn’t just the win. It was the battle, the build-up, the fans, and the moment you step onto that Hampden pitch and you know 50,000 of your own are behind you. I was the captain. That feeling? You don’t find that anywhere else.”
That final saw Rangers edge Celtic 3-2 in a match filled with drama, tackles flying, and late heroics. Ferguson was immense that day, dictating play and displaying the kind of leadership that modern-day Rangers fans often say is missing from the current squad.
Ferguson also admitted he’s been keeping a close eye on the club’s recent troubles.
“I know what it means to lead Rangers. I watch the team today, and I feel for the lads. But there’s no doubt in my mind, if I were asked to help in any way—coaching, mentoring—I’d do it. Even just one match.”
Could that “one match” be the next Old Firm derby? Given the turbulence surrounding the managerial position, Ferguson’s words, while said with nostalgic intent, could be seen as a subtle pitch for involvement in any future transitional coaching setup.
FAN REACTION: SPLIT BUT INTRIGUED
Fans across social media have responded passionately to the twin headlines of Ferguson’s heartfelt interview and the rumored return bid from van Bronckhorst.
Some believe Ferguson still has a role to play at Ibrox:
“Say what you want, but Barry Ferguson bleeds blue. I’d have him in the dressing room even for one game just to remind the lads what this club means,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Others are more skeptical:
“This is not the time to get emotional. Ferguson hasn’t managed above League Two. We need a serious, modern coach to move forward.”
Meanwhile, the van Bronckhorst situation has left supporters divided. Many still admire what he achieved in Europe, and a small but vocal section of fans believe his departure was premature. However, there’s also a significant portion who view his return as a regressive step, especially with newer managerial names being linked to the job.
CLUB SILENCE AMID THE CHAOS
As speculation swirls, the Rangers board has maintained complete silence. No official response has been made regarding van Bronckhorst’s supposed request, and Ferguson’s comments have not been addressed publicly either. The vacuum of communication has only fueled further rumors.
There are whispers of a temporary coaching solution being considered while the board weighs long-term options. Could this be where a figure like Ferguson fits in—perhaps as a short-term motivator or even a symbolic caretaker?
THE NEXT STEP FOR RANGERS
The club faces a critical few weeks ahead. Preseason is approaching, and fan expectations are sky-high. With Celtic continuing to dominate domestically and Scottish football entering a new phase of competitiveness, Rangers cannot afford missteps.
Whoever ends up in the dugout, whether it’s a returning van Bronckhorst, a surprising cameo from Ferguson, or a completely new face, the stakes are enormous.
Barry Ferguson’s comments, while emotionally charged, strike a chord with supporters longing for the passion and pride of Rangers’ golden days. Meanwhile, van Bronckhorst’s potential return may raise eyebrows—but it also highlights just how unstable the club’s managerial position has become.
CONCLUSION
In just one emotional interview, Barry Ferguson has reminded the world of what Rangers Football Club once was—and what it can still be. The match he can’t forget, that one magical Old Firm final in 2002, stands as a symbol of the unity, fight, and identity that fans so desperately crave today.
At the same time, a former manager’s plea to return shows that Rangers, for all its politics and pressure, remains one of the most irresistible dugouts in football. The question is: will the board make the bold call, or will it be another chapter in the club’s ongoing identity crisis?
One thing’s for sure—at Rangers, nothing ever stays quiet for long.
