BAZ NOT IN THE IBROX FRAME

Gers aren’t considering ex-Clyde boss and bookies’ favourite

RANGERS are closing in on at least one key appointment to their coaching staff this week – but that man won’t be Barry Ferguson. The 39-year-old, who played his part in five Scottish top-flight titles during his two spells at the club, quit Clyde this weekend, with bookmakers instantly installing him as favourite to return to the club for a third time in a coaching capacity.

Sport Times understands, though, that the former midfielder is not being considered for any role in the new structure at Ibrox.

One win in seven games has focused minds at Rangers for the need to move swiftly and the first piece in the jigsaw, the club’s director of football, should be appointed in the next seven days.

The picture should become clearer when Ross Wilson, currently Southampton’s director of scouting and

recruitment, confirms to the club whether he is minded to accept the position. The 34-year-old, reportedly the club’s top choice for the role, is thought to have requested until after today’s EFL Cup final before his answer.

Other names linked with this key position include Paul Mitchell, currently working his notice at White Hart Lane after growing weary of working alongside Daniel Levy, although he may be out of the club’s reach, and Stuart Webber, the man who has masterminded Huddersfield’s unlikely bid to reach the Barclays Premier League.

John Park, who left a similar role at Celtic after nine years in October, and Alex McLeish could also be under consideration.