Barry Ferguson has revealed he had a chat with Rangers boss Russell Martin after vacating the hotseat for him.
The Ibrox hero was the man tasked with attempting to steady the ship in between the management of Philippe Clement and Martin. There were some rocky moments but there were also some real highs, like beating Fenerbahce and Celtic.
He wanted to manage his boyhood club on a permanent basis but was informed at the end of the season he wouldn't be getting that opportunity. Ultimately, the former Southampton boss was the man they went with.
Ferguson broke his silence on his Rangers exit this week and insisted he wouldn't change any of it for the world.
He is now back carrying out his ambassadorial role at Ibrox as well as doing work in the media. And he has now revealed he actually had a conversation with his successor before agreeing to do any of that.
Not only did that clear his conscience ahead of fulfilling his duties again, but it left him feeling confident he had left the place in good hands.
"That’s why I’m back writing my column today and back doing my ambassadorial role for the club," he wrote in the Daily Record.
"Before I agreed to do that I did have a conversation with Russell Martin. The last thing I wanted to do was cause him any unnecessary distraction.
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"The details of what we discussed will remain private but I will say this, I came off the phone feeling more relaxed about everything and confident that Russell is the right man to move the club forward.
"My last words to him were, ‘Listen, I’ll be right behind you’.
"Hand on heart, I’ve been impressed by the way that he speaks and the manner in which he’s gone about making changes to the squad and to the style of play. There’s no doubt this guy knows what he’s trying to put together.
"Believe me when I say, there is no bigger honour than being the manager of Rangers Football Club. And for Russell Martin, the journey starts here. I wish him nothing but the best."
Reflecting on his short stint, Ferguson admits there was one surreal moment that made it finally sink in that he was managing [[Rangers]] - going up against Jose Mourinho.
"I do remember the moment that it sunk in for the first time," he said. "We had just landed back in Glasgow after beating Fenerbahce 3-1 in Istanbul. I had just come face-to-face with Jose Mourinho in the dugout.
"I mean, it doesn’t get any more surreal. Anyway, the days and weeks leading up to that Europa League tie had been utter mayhem. Up early every morning to get into Auchenhowie, back home late every night. It was long hours but I made a promise to myself that I was going to give this job every ounce of energy I had for as long as it lasted."
