Rangers legend backs Derek McInnes to lead club to glory

The former Ibrox captain is confident McInnes is the right man for the job, despite early criticism after failing to secure a victory in the first three games.

Writing in his Daily Record column, Ferguson said: "Derek goes into this job with his eyes wide open and a full understanding of the demands and the expectations. He’s not trying to hide from them or use them as an excuse.

"He wants to meet them head-on and then do everything in his power to raise them."

Rangers were defeated by Hibernian at Ibrox on Sunday, extending McInnes' wait for his first win as manager. Despite the defeat, Ferguson praised the 55-year-old's response, especially his acceptance that supporters deserve more after a long period of underachievement.

Ferguson added: "Rather than ask for time and for the fans to show some patience while he’s changing the squad around, he said the supporters were absolutely right to want Rangers to be better. He said, after one title in 15 years, he shares their frustrations.

"I like the honesty in that."

The former Rangers midfielder is confident McInnes has the determination to change the atmosphere at Ibrox and restore the intimidation factor that has been missing. Ferguson wrote: "He’ll want to bring the fear factor back to Ibrox.

"No player in the country should be looking forward to going to Ibrox. The whole thing should feel like an ordeal from the moment they walk in through those front doors.

"They should be terrified of what’s coming next."

Ferguson saw hope in Rangers’ late push against Hibs, when the home side launched multiple attacks before conceding at the end. However, he warned the players that improved intensity must be matched by discipline and organisation.

"The last 20 minutes was the way I want to see the team play," he said. "But when you’re going full throttle – as they should be in every game – you need to be organised behind it."

McInnes is currently managing a major summer rebuild, with PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech set to become his 10th signing.

Ferguson acknowledges that the overhaul will take time but says the Rangers boss is right not to hide behind the scale of the work.

"Derek has earned the right to take on this challenge because he is a quality manager and a genuine football man who understands exactly what is required," Ferguson said.