Rangers hit by Athletic talisman return, Barry Ferguson reunion touted and surprise name eyes big job – Ibrox bulletin
Your lunchtime Rangers news roundup all in one place as the Light Blues prepare for a massive week on the park and even bigger month off it
Former Rangers defender Gregory Vignal was delighted to see Barry Ferguson triumphing in an Old Firm derby – and hinted he might be up for an Ibrox reunion.
The Frenchman won an SPL and League Cup double during his only season in Glasgow and still keeps in touch with former teammate Ferguson, even refusing to rule out an Rangers return - having previously worked as an academy coach and boss of the club's women's side.
Vignal, who is currently working in Latvia with Riga FS, told the Football Historian Podcast: "Unfortunately it’s not a good season for Rangers. I spoke with Barry last week by text message and I’m happy for him because that win at Parkhead was important for the club.
"It brings you nothing in terms of trophies because you’ll be second, so second is nothing in this league. You must be champions.
"I think it will be a big transition with new owners looking to buy the club. We’ll see what will happen in the next few weeks.
"I think it will be a new club next year, they have had to restrict a lot of things. Patrick (Stewart) is working hard behind the scenes, Nils Koppens also.
"So we will see. But there are two months to go and they have to perform well. But, of course, at a club like Rangers, with the size of the football club you must win trophies because of the fanbase and expectation of the fans."
Asked by the host if he'd be up for a reunion with Ferguson, Vignal remained coy adding: "Barry knows he’s got a short term contract period. He needs to perform, who knows what happens long term. But right now I’m in Riga focused on my job."
Ferguson's future could come down to securing Europa League glory, and those hopes have been handed a blow with Athletic Bilbao talisman Oihan Sancet declared fit for the visit to Ibrox on March 10.
Sancet is their top scorer with 14 goals this season but he's been missing since February with an ankle injury - picked up after a red hot run of six goals in his four games.
But he's now returned to full training and is in their squad for their match on Sunday against Villarreal.
It's the latest boost for the Basque side who also have key man Dani Vivian fit for the game, with the Spanish international defender out since they beat Roma in the last round of the Europa League. And Sancet has been missing for five matches but is set to return ahead of the massive game against Ferguson's side.
Meanwhile a surprise name has ruled himself in for the Rangers job, with former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood up for ending his decade long absence from management at Ibrox - admitting he regrets missing out on a move to the club as a player.
He told OLBG: "I’ve never had the chance to manage in Scotland, but when I was playing at Tottenham there was an opportunity to go and play for Rangers.
"I remember playing in the semi-final of the League Cup at the time but Steffen Freund had done his cruciate ligament, so it was impossible for me to leave.
"I remember Alex McLeish was the manager there, it would have been nice to sample that atmosphere there and the Old Firm derby which is absolutely magnificent.
"As a manager I’ve never had the opportunity. Is it something I’d consider? Of course, you always consider big clubs and Celtic and Rangers are two of the biggest clubs you'll find in Europe.
"Having said that, Barry Ferguson looks like he's doing a decent job up there in a moment, but I would never say never."