Rangers: Barry Ferguson fired up by promise of ‘new era’

Barry Ferguson insists he is excited about the future for Rangers, whether he stays on as head coach or not, after meeting prospective new owners and incoming sporting director Kevin Thelwell.

The interim boss has previously spoken of his desire to stay on beyond the end of the season but said he will not “spit the dummy out” if the club seek a fresh start.

American investors, including Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group, are exploring a takeover, with a delegation visiting Ibrox this week.

Ferguson welcomed the group to the training centre but explained the exchange was brief since he was preparing for Sunday’s meeting with Celtic.

“It’s something the club has been wanting, outside investment,” he said. “It looks to me like it’s going along smoothly and we’re just waiting to get the thumbs up.

“It’s the start of a new era for the club and it certainly needs it.

“Like everybody else, I’m just looking forward to the day it gets signed off and hopefully it’s a brighter future for Rangers.”

Thelwell is leaving Everton at the end of this season to join Rangers.

“I was impressed by him, but what was said will remain private,” Ferguson said of their conversation. “I think it will work really well for the club.

“It was great to bang heads together. He got my feelings and he totally understood them.

“There has to be a lot of changes to try and make this club successful again, because it’s built on winning trophies.

“If I’m not going to be here, I’m excited about the prospect of new owners coming in and Kevin coming in.

“I’m comfortable with the situation. It’s been an amazing couple of months for me. A few ups and downs, but it’s given me a taste for it.

“Of course I would take it [the manager’s job]. If I don’t get it, I’m not going to spit the dummy out. I’ll go back to my [ambassadorial] role and support the club.”