Chris Sutton has suggested that Rangers interim boss Barry Ferguson has effectively thrown in the towel in the Scottish Premiership title race, claiming the Light Blues’ decision to make wholesale changes for their clash against Aberdeen is a clear sign of surrender to Celtic.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Celtic striker didn’t hold back as he dissected Ferguson’s call to make nine alterations to his starting XI at Pittodrie — a move Sutton believes underlines Rangers’ acceptance that the title is remaining in the East End of Glasgow.
"It's the old white flag up isn't it — concede the title," Sutton stated. "I can understand what Barry is thinking though, as they are prioritising putting everything into the Europa League basket. It was a brilliant performance and rearguard action in the week. I get that."
Sutton admitted he understood the logic behind resting key figures, especially given the risk of injuries derailing Rangers’ European push, but was adamant the decision spells the end of their league ambitions.
"If (Nicolas) Raskin pulled a hamstring today and he started you'd think 'why on Earth did Barry pick him?' It's a difficult one but he has given up on the title," he continued.
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Failure to claim three points at Pittodrie would see Celtic officially crowned Scottish champions yet again — another bitter pill for Rangers supporters who had hoped for a stronger domestic challenge.
And Sutton didn’t stop there. Looking ahead to the future of the Ibrox dugout, the outspoken pundit doubled down on his belief that Ferguson isn’t the man to lead Rangers beyond the summer — even if he were to deliver Europa League glory.
"I've said before, he can’t be Rangers manager because I think he's a bit of a chest beater as a manager. That’s the way he seems to me," Sutton argued. "It’s always Rangers are really high after a victory and really low after a defeat. The club needs stability, I don't think he has the necessary experience."
With Rangers poised for a significant off-field shake-up this summer, as a San Francisco takeover-latest-news-updates-interviews/" target="_blank">49ers-backed consortium prepares to complete a much-anticipated takeover, Sutton warned that the club must look for a more seasoned figure to steady the ship.
"I think he's gone in and in the short term if he wins the Europa League that would be enormous. But I still don't think they should give him the job full time. I think they should go for somebody who's more experienced," he stated.
Pressed by fellow pundit and Rangers icon Kris Boyd to clarify what he meant by calling Ferguson a "chest beater," Sutton offered a typically blunt explanation.
He said: "Someone who beats the chest, Kris. That's the type of manager he is. I have no issue with that, but Rangers need more than that as a manager."
All eyes will now be on the Pittodrie showdown, with Rangers’ performance — and result — set to speak volumes about the club’s priorities for the remainder of the season.
