Barry Ferguson Slams Ancelotti Hype – ‘Rangers Aren’t a Project Club’ | OneFootball

Barry Ferguson has issued a cautionary note over the Davide Ancelotti hype, reminding everyone that Rangers are not a project club, and that anyone coming into Ibrox needs to be the finished article – not a coach looking to learn on the job.

Speaking today, the former captain pulled no punches in addressing the speculation around Ancelotti, warning that while the Real Madrid assistant has an impressive CV, this job is a different beast entirely. Ferguson was crystal clear – Rangers don’t have time for experiments.

It’s a fair warning. While Ancelotti’s pedigree is undeniable, as we recently examined, he’s never been the main man. He’s spent his career as a number two under his father. And now he’s being linked to one of the most high-pressure dugouts in Europe.

Ferguson’s tone echoed the feelings of many fans, who fear Rangers may be leaning into the “project” mentality – trying to unearth a gem instead of appointing a proven leader. As he put it, “Rangers aren’t a project. Rangers is a club that demands winning. Right now.” You can’t get much more direct than that.

This throws some cold water on the rising buzz around Ancelotti. Even though Fabrizio Romano confirmed Rangers’ genuine interest in the Italian, Ferguson’s voice is influential and suggests the board should tread carefully.

What this highlights again is the scale of the job facing whoever is appointed. As we explained in this piece, Ferguson himself was a popular shout at first, but has since ruled himself out – and now speaks as an elder statesman of the club.

It also underscores a vital truth – as we noted here, this appointment is being made solely by the Rangers board, not the incoming 49ers Enterprises group. That means they must get it right, without outside influence.

Ferguson’s warning might just be the wake-up call needed. Ancelotti might become a top manager – but if Rangers hire him, he’ll need to be ready now. Not in three years. Because Rangers don’t wait.