KILMARNOCK, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Rangers James Tavernier speaks to Clinton Nsiala at Full Time during a William Hill Premiership match between Kilmarnock and Rangers at the BBSP Stadium Rugby Park, on February 26, 2025, in Kilmarnock, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Thirty minutes into his spell as interim manager, Barry Ferguson has ended one Ibrox playing career.
Billed recently as the new Virgil van Dijk by the sound judge that is Ross McCausland, the young Frenchman was substituted half an hour into the match at Kilmarnock with the visitors trailing 2-0.
Ferguson’s defence were all over the place with only the generosity of Don Robertson and Steven McLean keeping the scoreline down.
The manager had seen enough, he could have selected either central defender but decided to stick with Robin Propper, probably because he is older, gets paid more and speaks better English than his gaffer.
Ridvan Yilmaz was sent on to the new look defence, Nsilala trooped off and had to look out for his manager who refused eye contact as the young Frenchman offered a hand shake.
30′ Change for Rangers.
? Ridvan comes on to replace Clinton Nsiala.
Kilmarnock 2-0 Rangers pic.twitter.com/PTIDPI9s30
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) February 26, 2025
It will be a long way back for Nsilala, it is a very select group of players that get substituted before half-time.
Phil Clement was slaughtered for replacing Bailey Rice at half-time against Queens Park, in the three matches since then the midfield starlet hasn’t played a minute of football.
Nsiala was recruited during the summer as Clement put together a budget priced exciting young squad.
He was left out of the Europa League squad but given a debut at Dundee last month when John Souttar, Leon Balogun and Dujon Sterling were out injured, Leon Balogun had bombed as a substitute in the 3-3 draw away to Hibs.
On his debut at Dens Park he got away without a penalty being awarded for a clear push on Simon Murray, away to Hearts he enjoyed similar ‘good fortune’ for a foul on James Wilson.
Luck ran out against St Mirren on Saturday when the young Frenchman was at fault for both goals, Clement was sacked the next day with Nsiala’s prospects looking bleak after last night’s decision by the new manager.
Good news for Ferguson is that last night’s fall guy was included in the Europa League squad with January signing Raphael Fernandes left out.
(Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
He shook barrys hand ???? he had to double take what a way to finish your rangers career. Absolute dud who cant even header the ball
— Rangermad55 (@Ranger187255) February 26, 2025
Just as I predicted. Getting battered to a pulp. Sadly it was always on the cards
— pm young (@peter_m_young) February 26, 2025
Nsiala should never be allowed to pull on a Rangers jersey again….shocking beyond all comprehension ?
— Alan Brown (@AlanBro72073576) February 26, 2025
Absolutely disgraceful for the fans this team is an absolutely joke no matter the manager
— jemima6459 (@jemima6459) February 26, 2025
Rightfully so, that was absolutely terrible
— Matt (@from_xero) February 26, 2025
Boys honking
— Craig (@CraigMcguigan) February 26, 2025
Good decision boy’s a liabilty.
— ScoringHub (@ScoringHub) February 26, 2025
He’s fuckin dugmeat
— oli (@oli1872rfc) February 26, 2025
Van dyke getting subbed no way
— kate dunbar (@katedunbar61) February 26, 2025
He’s been awful no doubt but that whole back line could have easily gone with him
— Ryan Yorkston (@RyanYorkieBar2) February 26, 2025
Piss poor management. Propper just as bad but let’s fuk the young lads confidence up.
— colin (@colinck333) February 26, 2025
Young baresi gettin hooked after half hour ? staunch
— Wardz? (@wardy240685) February 26, 2025
A bit of balls , spotted a shit player and made the change , things are looking up for us ?
— Nicky WATP (@NickyDrummond89) February 26, 2025
Get them all tae fuck!
— BANG BANG JUICE ?????????? (@deanot983) February 26, 2025
Absolute pish tippy tappy back back passing ????
— Kenny Agnew (@agnew_kenn53168) February 26, 2025
That’s a shocking decision, Propper was as bad as anyone. Chuck a young laddie under the bus after 30 mins, at least wait tIl HT. Bring on a 5 footer against a physical side like this. Lost the head already.
— Stuart (@stu__m11) February 26, 2025
How many tickets should away fans get for the Glasgow Derby
ZERO- The sensible, safe choice
700- There needs to be some there
5%- The European compromise
7,000 Return of the Free Broomloan
They were LUCKY shda been 5 or 6 doon b4 they scored! Fenerbache & us will Not be So Furgiving coz they HAVEN’T nor will they Improve wae Sideyways Pass Maestro Bawwy at the Helm lol! Giving it the BIG YIN at the end is just TYPICAL Hun Behaviour having just won the 2-0 doon tae Killie Cup BAWAHAHAHAHAHA!!
I hate to say it, but…
fair play Bazza.
He would know how devastating a substitution before half-time would
be for any player?
Didn’t see it, but did Clinton remember to ‘limp off’? 🙂
Last night’s result was the ‘dead cat bounce’: it’s still the same players,
but now with a totally inexperienced management / coaching team.
[Apart from ‘Sam’ with the badges!]
Watching the latest theRangers temporary head coach – Mrs Ferguson’s husband – reminds me of the Sopranos . It’s the look in Baz’s eyes …it’s like Paulie Walnuts and Christopher Soprano have come knocking at his door , with the message that ‘ Tony needs to talk to you immediately ‘ in a quiet house out in the country . Its the haunted look of impending dread ..like he knows he’s been found out by his boss that he’s been ‘ skimming off the top ‘ , like he’s involved in something , way over his head ! Scared stiff !
I think Advocaat did that in The 6-2 demolition derby game with one of them…
Fergushun probably played in that one where Petta was sensational –
I’m racking ma brains to think which ‘Rangers’ (as they were known as then) player that it was…
Fergushun trying to act like (a) Wee Dick then !
Editor: Wee Barry got sent off, headed home then went for a night out in Bothwell…
I think Advocaat did that in The 6-2 demolition derby game with one of them…
Fergushun probably played in that one where Petta was sensational –
I’m racking ma brains to think which ‘Rangers’ (as they were known as then) player that it was…
Fergushun trying to act like (a) Wee Dick then !
One of the best days of my life, Clach. It was Fernando Ricksen who was withdrawn before a half hour had gone by. Bobby Petta had the game of his life on the left wing, hence Fernando being hooked.
Hail Hail.