Barry Ferguson is confident fans will see a Rangers team with greater “energy” and “a bit of desire” when he makes his debut as interim manager against Kilmarnock on Wednesday.
Speaking at his first media conference since being appointed until the end of the season after Sunday’s sacking of Philippe Clement, the former Rangers captain insisted he is not looking to the future beyond the visit to Rugby Park.
The Belgian exited after successive home defeats by second-tier Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup and St Mirren in the Premiership.
Ferguson says some players may “need an arm around them”, while others may need “a clip around the ear” to improve performances and results.
“I was straightforward with the players,” he said. “This is a brilliant place to be. You’re lucky to be here. Look at the facilities, look at the stadium.
“I feel like it’s going to be a good place to be. I felt a difference today and it’s important for me to carry that on.
“I need to get a kick out of these guys and they certainly gave me a reaction this morning. I couldn’t have asked more of them.”
Ferguson has been out of coaching for three years since leaving part-timers Alloa Athletic, most recently being a Rangers club ambassador, and admitted he was “surprised I got the call”.
He had no thoughts until then about returning to management but said: “It only took five mins to agree to become interim manager.
“Judge me at the end of the three months. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I have no issue with that.
“I would rather be judged come the end of the season, but I know I will be judged game by game. This is the nature of the beast here at Glasgow Rangers.”
Ferguson has brought in former Rangers team-mates Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor to assist him.
“Neil and Billy have got experience of managing at a good level,” he said. “Alongside Allan, they played with the club, know the demands and expectations, so that was important to me as well.
“They are bubbly about the place, big characters, like to get in amongst the boys and that’s important because the last couple of weeks has been difficult for this group.
“It was important I got the right people in. They are not yes men.”
Ferguson “can’t wait to be on the touchline” but admits he has not had much time with his players to prepare for a visit to a venue where they lost in October.
“I’ve only had one training session but I’m not going to use that as an excuse before Kilmarnock,” he added.
“We’ve not filled them with too much info because it’s too short notice, but they understand the way we’re going to go against a very good manager.
“I expect them to win games of football and give me everything they’ve got. They fully understand my expectations of them.”
More to follow.
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