Thanks to the players for all their hard work. Thanks to the board for giving me the opportunity to live my dream and for giving me their backing. Thanks to the staff who did all that they could to help myself and my backroom team.
But, most of all, thank-you to the supporters for being there with us, every step of the way. And maybe reminding me of why I was one of them in the first place. I’m genuinely grateful for everything.
Honestly? The experience and the backing we were given during our time in charge was almost overwhelming. Let’s just say, I loved every single moment of the journey even though it didn’t last all that long and despite the odd bump along the way.
But now I get to go back to being what I have always been, since I first learned to walk and talk as a little nipper – and that’s a Rangers supporter.
Since the end of last season I haven’t spoken much about the whole experience. I guess I needed time to get away, lie on a sun lounger with my family around me and process what was, for a while, a life changing set of circumstances.
To be honest, even now it still feels like one huge blur.
I do remember the moment that it sunk in for the first time. 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.
Barry Ferguson and Jose Mourinho ahead of the first leg(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
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.
Which meant there wasn’t really time to stop and to think about what was actually happening. All I could do was live in the moment.
But as soon as the flight hit the tarmac, I knew what I wanted for dinner that night.
A sausage supper, four pickles and two fritters. I just wanted to get back to being Barry! So I drove straight to my favourite local chippy before heading back to the house.
Let’s just say, this particular shop is in a predominantly Rangers area. And the warmth of the reaction I got from the rest of the customers when I walked in actually took me back.
Then, as I was waiting for my order to get wrapped up behind the counter, what comes on the TV? My interview after full time in Fenerbahce.
And, honestly, that’s when it hit me. I was the manager of Rangers. And I’d just got one over on Jose Mourinho.
