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Rangers FC news today: Barry Ferguson praises mentality, Rabbi Matondo reflects on exit and more – April 16

Jack CranmerJack Cranmer
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  • Former Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson has praised the mentality of his former side after Falkirk comeback.
  • Rabbi Matondo has reflected on his injury-hit Ibrox spell.
  • Ryan Jack has backed Rangers for a 56th league title and more.

Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has praised the mentality of the current crop of players after their superb comeback away to Falkirk.

“When the dust settles, the game’s finished, they showed real character, to be fair to them, because it would have been easy to fold,” he said on the Five Stars Podcast.

“We knew what happened the last time we came away with a draw for Falkirk. 

“There’s been a lot of teams who went to Falkirk this year and suffered defeats, so huge credit to them for the second half.

“I’d have liked to have been in the dressing room to see what was said. 

“I heard the manager saying that the players had a go at each other, and rightly so, because I think sometimes that’s what’s needed. 

“They go out in the second half and, as I said, they were excellent on the front foot and deserved the 6-3 victory.”

Ferguson sought to switch the mindset of the Rangers players during his brief interim role as manager last season.

Despite early season struggles under Russell Martin, the side have roared back under new boss Danny Rohl and now look set to win the most unexpected Premiership title.

Rabbi Matondo reflects on injury-hit Rangers spell

Rabbi Matondo has admitted his time at Rangers was shaped by frustration and inconsistency, as the winger looks to reset his career following a permanent move to SK Brann.

Speaking after his departure, the 25-year-old pointed to persistent injury problems as a key factor behind his struggles at Ibrox.

“It has not been easy with the injuries, but that is life,” he said, acknowledging the setbacks that stalled any sustained momentum across his four seasons in Glasgow.

Matondo, who made 70 appearances and scored eight goals, departs with his spell widely viewed as underwhelming relative to expectations and investment.

Signed with promise and pace, his time at Rangers ultimately became a cautionary tale in recruitment, with fleeting moments, including a dramatic late equaliser against Celtic, unable to mask a lack of consistent output.

Limited opportunities under manager Danny Rohl further accelerated his exit, with just three cameo appearances following the German’s arrival.

Rangers instead opted to move him on before the expiry of his contract, trimming a significant wage and retaining a sell-on clause in any future deal.

Now in Norway under Freyr Alexandersson, Matondo is targeting regular football and a fresh start.

“It will be a bit of a new start, but I am sure I can help the club and do well here,” he added.

For Matondo, it represents a final opportunity to rebuild momentum and rediscover the promise that once made him such a highly rated prospect.

Super Ally backs Bojan Miovski

Ally McCoist has backed Bojan Miovski to play a decisive role in Rangers’ title push, labelling the striker “the best finisher at the club” following his recent impact off the bench.

Speaking on Talk Sport, McCoist said: “I actually think he’s the best finisher at the club.

“I bet you in training he’s one of these boys who finishes for fun.”

His comments come after Miovski struck twice as Rangers came from behind to beat Falkirk, maintaining pressure on league leaders Hearts.

The North Macedonian has now scored three goals across his last two appearances, both from the bench, underlining his growing influence in the closing stages of matches.

It marks a sharp turnaround in form.

Prior to recent clashes with Dundee United and Falkirk, Miovski had not found the net since a 5-1 win over Kilmarnock in February.

Limited minutes also disrupted his rhythm, with just 62 minutes of league action between mid-February and the international break.

Now, however, the 26-year-old appears to be thriving in the intensity of a title race.

His movement, sharpness in the box and ability to convert chances have given Rangers a reliable outlet when games open up late on.

At Falkirk, he also contributed to the build-up of a fourth goal, highlighting a more complete attacking presence beyond his finishing.

The next question is whether his impact from the bench translates into a starting role.

Miovski has not started a league match since that victory over Kilmarnock, but his recent performances present a compelling case for inclusion from the outset.

Ryan Jack backs Rangers for title

Ryan Jack believes Rangers have rediscovered the relentless mentality that powered them to their 55th league title in 2021, insisting the current side has the momentum required to go all the way again.

Speaking to the Daily Record, the midfielder pointed to the importance of consistency during that unbeaten campaign under Steven Gerrard.

“That season we won it, the biggest thing we spoke about was momentum,” Jack said.

“In previous seasons, we’d win three games then draw or lose a couple.

“There was always a setback.”

He added: “Momentum was so key in 2021.

“Even if you draw a game, you go and win the next one. The message was about relentlessness and going again.”

Jack sees clear parallels in the current squad, who have begun to hit form at a crucial stage of the season.

“And from what I see of this Rangers team, it’s like that again,” he said.

“With the firepower Rangers have got, they’re strong contenders now.”

Despite Hearts leading the title race, Jack believes Rangers’ attacking strength gives them a decisive edge.

“When I see this Rangers team like they were on Sunday, free-flowing and scoring goals with the shackles off, I think they can go and win it for sure. I just sense it,” he explained.

With difficult trips to Tynecastle and Celtic Park still to come, Jack expects tactical flexibility, but remains convinced Rangers have the mentality to sustain their charge.

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Jack Cranmer is a writer at ReadRangers with three years of experience in journalism. They have been featured in The Herald and The Daily Record as well as being the former editor of Inside Ibrox, specializing in football writing and an expert on all things Rangers.

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