As Barry Ferguson leaves his post as interim Rangers manager, all attention is turning to who Patrick Stewart & co have identified as his replacement.

Barry Ferguson took charge of his final Rangers game in the 2-2 Scottish Premiership draw with Hibs after the club officially announced the Ibrox legend’s departure.

Ferguson will leave the club alongside his three assistants Billy Dodds, Allan McGregor and Neil McCann, bringing to an end a three-month stint as interim Rangers manager.

But just as Rangers signal Ferguson’s departure, Patrick Stewart has hinted that the club’s next appointment is edging ever closer.

Patrick Stewart hints at positive Rangers manager talks

In a statement to supporters, Rangers confirmed the departure of Barry Ferguson little over 24 hours from the completion of the Ibrox club’s season.

Patrick Stewart paid tribute to the Rangers legend for his contribution to the club, but intimated that the club is closing in on a new appointment as permanent manager.

Rangers have been strongly linked to Davide Ancelotti, with the Real Madrid assistant coach set for his penultimate match with the club against Sevilla this evening.

”The club, and I am sure all our supporters, will be forever grateful to Barry for stepping up and taking on the role of head coach,” Stewart told Rangers.

“He and his staff have performed admirably amongst some trying circumstances and achieved some excellent results along the way.

“Barry, Neil, Billy and Allan all had distinguished playing careers with Rangers, and they have all enhanced their standing with the club for their work since February. The reception they received at Ibrox on Wednesday night was fully merited, and I know meant so much to Barry and his team.

“The search for our new head coach is progressing well, and we look forward to concluding our process in the coming period.”

Barry Ferguson pays tribute to ‘phenomenal’ Rangers support

Ferguson came into Rangers following the sacking of Philippe Clement in February and recorded memorable victories over the likes of Fenerbahce and Celtic.

Whilst the Rangers legend, 47, has always been clear that he’d like to take the job on full-time, Ferguson has reiterated that he will support whoever comes into the position this summer.

Speaking to Rangers after his departure was confirmed, Ferguson paid tribute to his staff and the ‘phenomenal’ backing from the Ibrox stands.

”I’ve already lived the dream as a player and as captain of Rangers, and to do so as head coach in these last three months has been an enormous honour for me,” Ferguson told the Rangers website.

“There have been some ups and downs, but I have loved this experience and given it my all throughout.

“I want to thank Neil, Billy and Allan, the three staff members who came in with me, and all the other staff who have supported me during my time in charge. Indeed from everyone at the training centre and at Ibrox, the backing I have received has been phenomenal.

“Above all, I want to thank our supporters. There is no doubt this has been a difficult season, but the backing the team and I have continued to receive in spite of that has been incredible.

“I have said, no matter how this period panned out, I would always remain a committed supporter of the club, and I look forward to remaining a Rangers ambassador.

“I wish whomever becomes the new manager, every success in the job.”