Next Rangers manager hunt LIVE as Barry Ferguson is ruled out the running

Barry Ferguson's short stint as Rangers manager is over - but the Ibrox giants insist the search for the former captain's permanent successor is well underway.

Despite being interviewed for the job on a long-term basis earlier this week, Ferguson 's last game at the helm came in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hibs at Easter Road, giving him a final tally of six wins, five draws and four defeats from his 16 games in all competitions.

Ferguson claimed victory against champions Celtic on away soil and taking Gers into the quarter finals of the Europa League, but suffered shock home defeats to Motherwell and Hibernian that saw them fall further and further away from Brendan Rodgers' Treble chasing team.

And with the 49ers Enterprises group lead by Andrew Cavenagh poised to complete their lucrative takeover at Rangers - the new hierarchy have decided to look externally for their first managerial appointment.

The usual names for the next Rangers manager will crop up with bookmakers but only time will tell if dream returns to Ibrox for Steven Gerrard and Russell Martin are realistic prospects.

Davide Ancelotti - son of legendary boss Carlo - is a a potential candidate but with the club CEO Patrick Stewart revealing the interview process to find the next man in the dugout progressing well, Ibrox fans might not have to wait too long for an announcement on the next Rangers manager.

The search for the next Rangers boss is picking up pace and you can join us LIVE for all the latest news and developments.

Rangers fans have taken to social media to thank Barry Ferguson.

One wrote: "Thank you, gaffer."

Another said: "Good luck with whatever comes next yo you and the guys."

A further Rangers fan posted: "Thanks for the efforts,