Rangers recent decision to remove both CEO Patrick Stewart and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell has inevitably triggered a wave of speculation about who will take on two of the most influential roles at the club.
With the board beginning its search for new leadership, one name of many that have been mentioned across social media this week is former interim boss Barry Ferguson.
A post on X (formerly Twitter) claiming that the former Rangers captain was “being lined up for the new sporting director role” gathered sceptical attention from supporters.
However, the rumour escalated further when another ex-Gers skipper in Craig Moore responded to the post with: “I like the sound of that.”
But it is important to be clear: there is no credible reporting, no internal indication, and no official suggestion that Ferguson is being considered for the position.
At this stage, it is entirely fan chatter, fuelled by frustration with the recently departed regime and a natural desire to see a figure who embodies Rangers identity return to the club in some capacity.
Inside Ibrox understands that Barry Ferguson is not under consideration for the Sporting Director role and that the rumour has no grounding beyond social media discussion.
That said, the reaction highlights something significant. After the Stewart–Thelwell era - defined by misaligned leadership, poor recruitment and a failure to grasp the culture of the club - there is clearly an appetite among supporters for a figure steeped in Rangers values.
Ferguson, a former captain, manager, serial winner and lifelong Ranger, naturally ticks those emotional boxes.
However, running the football department of a modern elite club is a vastly complex role.
A Sporting Director is responsible for recruitment structures, analytics integration, long-term squad planning, operational alignment, academy pathways, contract strategy and much more.
It is not a traditional “football man” job - nor is it one that can be learned overnight – indeed the ex-players who enter this field at the top level normally must undergo further education to be qualified for said role.
Ferguson’s coaching stints at Clyde and Alloa and his media roles do not equate to experience in this specialised domain.
Meanwhile, Rangers Chairman Andrew Cavenagh has already stated publicly that the club will conduct a measured, methodical search, prioritising quality and fit over sentiment or speed.
He has emphasised that the next leadership appointments must understand Rangers demands but also bring the expertise required to modernise the club properly.
Supporters may enjoy the idea of Ferguson returning in a senior capacity, and Moore’s endorsement certainly added fuel to the online fire. But the reality is very different. As things stand, this rumour remains exactly that, a rumour, and Inside Ibrox does not believe Ferguson is in contention.
The real search continues, and the stakes could not be higher for Rangers future and the success and credibility of the new ownerships fledgling era.