Barry Ferguson: Rangers appoint ex-captain as interim bossm assisted by Neil McCann & Billy Dodds

Stewart had said as such last week after backing Clement following Rangers’ shock Scottish Cup home defeat by second-tier Queen’s Park, but although his side thearafter won away to Heart of Midlothian, losing two in a row at Ibrox sealed the Belgian’s fate.

“When I spoke to RangersTV last week, I was clear that everyone is judged on results and nobody will get unlimited time in any role at the club,” Stewart said.

“Ultimately, the team’s response following their early exit from the Scottish Cup was a cause for deep concern, leading the board to conclude that action had to be taken now.”

Stewart, meanwhile, wished Clement success in the future and described him as “a fine man”.

The change of manager comes as Rangers continue an “ongoing football review” that seeks to address the wider issues Stewart perceives at the club and amid talks with San Francisco 49ers’ investment wing about a takeover expected to be completed between April and June.

Ferguson, 47, previously managed Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa Athletic, while McCann, 50, has had spells in charge of Dundee and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Dodds, 56, was Ross County assistant and later managed Inverness, while goalkeeper McGregor, 43, had two spells with Rangers.

“We appreciate him and his team stepping into the role at this difficult time,” Stewart said of Ferguson.

The former midfielder and former winger McCann helped Rangers win two domestic trebles, with Ferguson winning five league titles and 15 trophies over two spells.

McCann has nine winners’ medals from his playing days at Ibrox, including three in the top flight and forward Dodds won all three major domestic honours once with Rangers. The trio, who won a combined 97 international caps, have worked as media pundits of late.

McGregor’s first spell at Rangers coincided with Ferguson’s second stint and the former goalkeeper won 13 medals with Rangers and 42 Scotland caps. He left Rangers as a player in 2023.

Rangers are next at home to Motherwell on Saturday (15:00) and will play both legs of their Europa League last-16 tie with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce as well as an away league game against Celtic before the March international break.

Fenerbahce host Rangers on 6 March, with the return at Ibrox seven days later.

The next Old Firm fixture is at Celtic Park on 16 March.