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.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
