On Friday morning Barry Ferguson was full of life’s joys, singing the praises of big John Souttar and the boots on the ground Executive Management at Ibrox provided by John Gilligan and George Letham.
Hopefully the former Alloa boss was at Rugby Park yesterday to watch the latest instalment of the Phil Clement Revolution”! come crashing into reality.
If only life was as simple as during international week, basking in the afterglow of a 2-0 win over St Johnstone to wipe away the pain and hurt caused by Lyon three days earlier.
On the back of an international break and knowing that the top two were bound to ship points on Saturday Ferguson looked forward to the weekend with delusion levels at a high as he shared his thoughts with Daily Record readers:
Let’s be honest, good news stories have been a bit thin on the ground lately around Ibrox.
For all sorts of reasons it’s been a difficult start to the season on and off the pitch and, at times, it’s felt like one kick in the teeth after the next. But amongst all the doom and gloom, one man in particular is providing my old club with a bit of a shining light.
Big John Souttar has been through the ringer himself over the years with all sorts of potentially career threatening injuries.
From the day he arrived at Rangers it’s felt like he’s been fighting a constant battle just to get himself up to full speed and get some regular games under his belt. And that’s why I’m genuinely so pleased for him now that he’s finally emerging as the central defender that the rest of us always hoped he would become.
Big John had a bit of a ‘mare yesterday with the only goal coming off his leg as he collided with Super Jack Butland as the ball went into the net for the only goal of the game. A Hearts level defender as many bears acknowledged on social media.
Turning to the champions playing on Saturday Ferguson predicted:
The international break has put that on pause for a couple of weeks which is frustrating for the manager but Clement will be banking on them hitting the ground running in their first game back because there is no more room for slip ups. If I was him I’d be hoping for a draw at Parkhead 24 hours earlier because if both Celtic and Aberdeen drop points at the same time then it will give Rangers the chance to eat into the gap they’ve opened up at the top of the table.
But I also wouldn’t be overly bothered about how that result turns out either way because it won’t matter a damn unless Rangers take care of their own business at a very tricky away venue the following afternoon.
On the current Executive Management, Ferguson had only reassuring news to share with Record readers, explaining:
Like I say, there’s not been too much for the fans to get their teeth into or to feel excited about so far this season and they’re probably every bit as frustrated by the issues off the pitch at a time when the club is looking for a permanent chairman, chief executive and a new director of football.
But John Gilligan has stepped into the role of a figurehead and I’m told he and George Letham have been taking a really hands on approach to guiding the club through the recent upheaval. That boots-on-the-ground leadership is something the club has been missing for a while now but Gilligan and Letham are taking a highly visible approach to running things behind the scenes while looking to make those key appointments in the boardroom.
That boots in the ground leadership is badly required right now, if Gilligan and Letham don’t sack Clement it will be the dynamic duo whispering in Fergie’s ear that the fans are screaming for to be booted out of their club.
Fergie should have his Ambassador blazer and brogues back on tonight when he appears on Go Radio denying that he is a club cheerleader.
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