“Disastrous” – Ferguson Reveals If Clement Will Be Sacked Before Hearts vs. Rangers

Ferguson Reacts to Sack Calls as Clement’s Future Hangs in the Balance

Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has weighed in on the growing calls for Philippe Clement’s dismissal, with the Belgian manager under intense scrutiny following a shocking Scottish Cup exit against Queen’s Park at Ibrox on Sunday (9 February).

With domestic silverware hopes now dashed, Clement’s side must regroup for a crucial Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts at Tynecastle this Sunday.

Clement Would Have Been Sacked Already

Ferguson, a vocal critic of Clement in recent months, believes that if the Rangers board had any intention of parting ways with the manager, the decision would have been made immediately after the humiliating defeat.

Queen’s Park clinched a 1-0 victory with their only shot on target, while James Tavernier missed a stoppage-time penalty that could have forced extra time, sealing Rangers’ fate in a devastating manner.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show (12 February), Ferguson did not mince words, describing the current state of affairs at Ibrox as both a “disaster” and a “hammer blow.”

“He’ll be in charge at Tynecastle on Sunday – if any decision was going to be made, it would’ve happened right after the game,” Ferguson stated.

“But the result was disastrous, and the performance fell far short of the standards expected.”

He criticized the team’s lack of creativity and urgency, saying, “Rangers didn’t have the quality to break them down.

They were out of ideas in the final third and only reacted after Queen’s Park scored.”

With Celtic holding a commanding 13-point lead in the Premiership, Ferguson emphasized the importance of the Scottish Cup as Rangers’ last realistic chance at domestic success.

“That’s the trophy you want, given the league situation. It’s a hammer blow, and the fans have every right to be disappointed, devastated—whatever they’re feeling. It’s just not good enough.”

Only Pride and Europe Left for Rangers

While Rangers’ domestic hopes are all but over, the Europa League provides one final glimmer of excitement for their supporters.

The club will find out their last-16 opponents next Friday (21 February) after securing a top-eight finish in the league phase, thanks to their 3-2 win over Union Saint-Gilloise (30 January).

That European success is one of the few bright spots in an otherwise difficult campaign, and fans will hope for another fairytale run reminiscent of their 2022 journey to the final.

Beyond that, however, Rangers are effectively locked into second place in the league, with little else to play for beyond pride.

Clement remains in charge for now, having survived multiple close calls this season.

However, his job security appears to be dictated more by the club’s leadership than by fan sentiment.

CEO James Bisgrove and the Rangers board have publicly backed the 50-year-old, but discontent among supporters continues to grow.

As Rangers prepare for their trip to Tynecastle, where they started the season with a goalless draw against Hearts on 3 August, the pressure is mounting.

Fans are watching closely, expecting a response after their latest setback.