Rangers 'to have new manager in place by end of this week as boss shortlist cut to just a couple of names'

RANGERS confirmed on Sunday that Barry Ferguson will NOT be landing the job on a full-time basis.

Now, attention turns to who will fill the Ibrox hotseat and when they will take over.

3 Barry Ferguson isn't getting the Rangers job permanently Credit: Alamy

3 Philippe Clement was sacked as Gers boss in February Credit: PA

3 Patrick Stewart is helping lead the search for a new boss Credit: PA

Ferguson, 47, spent the final three months of the season in interim charge after Philippe Clement's sacking in February.

Highlights of the Rangers legend's stint included an Old Firm win over Celtic at Parkhead and progression to the Europa League quarter-finals.

However, home form remained a problem with the Gers going on a dismal run of seven games at Ibrox without a win in all competitions, five of those under Ferguson's leadership.

Ferguson hadn't hidden his desire to take on the job on a permanent basis and stated he firmly believed he was up to the job.

But yesterday afternoon, Rangers revealed that he had taken charge of the team for the last time.

Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hibs at Easter Road proved to be his last time in the Light Blues dugout.

Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart thanked Ferguson for his service against what he called "trying circumstances."

Within his comments, Stewart also gave a nod to what's coming next with regards the appointment of the club's next permanent manager.

The CEO said: "The search for our new head coach is progressing well, and we look forward to concluding our process in the coming period."

Several names have been linked to the position.

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Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti emerged as a front-runner, although there have been conflicting reports regarding whether or not he will indeed go out on his own as a manager this summer or not.

A host of other names have been linked, from former Gers boss Steven Gerrard to ex-RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose.

Whoever it is going to be, it appears as though the process is now entering its closing stages.

The Daily Record are reporting that Rangers are 'expected to have their new man in place before the end of the week.'

The report also claims that the club's shortlist has been whittled down to the final couple of candidates.

Ferguson isn't leaving Rangers altogether.

Instead, he will return to the ambassadorial role be performed prior to being given the managerial reins.

The coaching staff he brought in with him - Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor - have left the club.

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