---
title: "Rangers FC news today: Barry Ferguson speaks out, former Rangers CCO hired and Joe Gelhardt transfer update – April 29"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/04/29/rangers-fc-news-today-april-29/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Rangers News"
published: "2026-04-29T12:45:00Z"
modified: "2026-04-29T12:45:00Z"
---

# Rangers FC news today: Barry Ferguson speaks out, former Rangers CCO hired and Joe Gelhardt transfer update – April 29

- Barry Ferguson speaks out on Rangers title chances in aftermath of Motherwell defeat
- Former Rangers CCO Karim Virani has joined Premier League club West Ham United as their interim CEO
- The path has potentially been cleared for the club to seal the transfer of Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt

**Barry Ferguson provided his thoughts on Rangers and the title race in the aftermath of the Motherwell defeat.**

Ferguson appeared on the 5 Stars Podcast and [did not hold back on his feelings](https://readrangers.com/2026/04/29/barry-ferguson-rangers-hearts-title-race-tynecastle-warning/) with four matches to go.

He said: “It was a really poor first half, take nothing away from Motherwell.

“Motherwell were really dominant and good on the counter-attack but I was so disappointed with the first half performance.

“You can’t keep making the same mistake and a couple of goals down because it’s going to come back and bite you at some stage.”

[5 Stars Podcast Episode 33 - Can Rangers STILL win the league? (embedded)](https://www.youtube.com/embed/mnfmumKmscM?feature=oembed)

## Former Rangers CCO Karim Virani appointed interim CEO at West Ham United

Former Rangers Chief Commercial Officer Karim Virani [has been appointed the new interim CEO](https://readrangers.com/2026/04/29/karim-virani-west-ham-united/) at relegation threatened West Ham United.

The Hammers are embroiled in a relegation battle with the London club two points clear of 18th placed Tottenham in the Premier League.

In a club statement, Virani said: “I am proud and honoured to be returning to West Ham United, a Club I have a deep affinity and admiration for.

“This is a massive football club, with incredibly loyal and passionate supporters, a hugely talented and dedicated group of players, coaches and staff, a proud and unique heritage.”

Virani held the position at Ibrox for 18 months between August 2023 and February 2025.

> Club Statement: Karim Virani appointed as interim CEO
>
> — West Ham United (@WestHam) [April 29, 2026](https://twitter.com/WestHam/status/2049398530788266364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Joe Gelhardt transfer news as path potentially cleared for Rangers swoop

It was previously reported that Rangers are keen [on Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt](https://readrangers.com/2026/04/06/rangers-joe-gelhardt-transfer-swpl-old-firm-champions-league-boost/) who is currently on loan at Hull City.

And it now appears that [any obstacles could potentially be removed](https://www.rangersnews.uk/transfer-news/rangers-given-potential-clear-path-to-seal-joe-gelhardt-transfer-from-leeds-united/) for the club to secure a move to Ibrox for the 23-year-old.

Middlesborough, who are in the race to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League will reportedly pull out of the race if they are promoted, either automatically or via. the play-offs.

Gelhardt came through the ranks at Wigan Athletic and has been at Elland Road since August 2020.