Barry Ferguson was left feeling emotional hearing Rangers fans signing his name at the end of the 3-1 William Hill Premiership win over Dundee United.
The former Gers captain was installed as boss in February until the end of the season and, amid an impending takeover, it seems the club could go elsewhere for a permanent manager with Davide Ancelotti – son of Real Madrid head coach Carlo – widely touted for the post.
In the final home game of the season, United defender Sam Cleall-Harding headed the Taysiders in front after 21 minutes before the enigmatic Cyriel Dessers equalised with a header five minutes later.
Dessers slotted in a penalty in the 71st minute for his 28th goal of the season to take his tally to 50 since signing for Rangers two seasons ago before midfielder Nicolas Raskin soon added a third and Ferguson was hailed by the fans.
He said: “It means a lot because it’s a club that I’ve been at since I was seven or eight years old.
“I’m not scared to say it was a bit emotional. Since I’ve come in, I’ve given it everything. I’ve given it everything that I had.
“I said in my first interview that I was going to be me. I’m not going to try and kid anyone on. I really enjoyed it. It was good to get that reception.
“We’ve still got one game to go on Saturday against Hibs at Easter Road. We need all focus to go on that now.”
On Dessers’ landmark goal, Ferguson said: “I’m delighted for him because I think a big man comes in for unfair criticism. I really do.
“But to work with him for the last three months, I see how much effort he puts in on the training field. He works really hard at his game.
“He gives you everything. It’s a brilliant return this year, 28 goals.
“When we got that penalty, normally the skip (James Tavernier) goes up and takes them.
“I’m thinking to myself, he better score this or he’s going to get one from me. But thankfully, he hit the back of the net. I’m delighted for him and it’s a brilliant return.”
The defeat left United in fifth place, three points behind Aberdeen whom they host in the final game of the season on Saturday, and one point ahead of St Mirren.
Manager Jim Goodwin’s side have lost four in a row but he is hoping to clinch a European spot against the Dons.
He said: “There’s no getting away from the fact that the last four results have been a major disappointment for this group given what we’ve put in this season.
“But we’ve got an opportunity to finish it on a really positive note and there’s no reason why we can’t.
“We know what we have to do. Not only now have we got the opportunity to secure fifth but with a win we’ve actually got the opportunity to jump over Aberdeen into fourth. That’s a huge incentive for everybody.”
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