Motherwell - 0 Rangers - 1:Paul Le Guen has accused his sacked captain Barry Ferguson of trying to exert undue influence on fellow players and of undermining the Rangers coaching staff. Ferguson did not feature at Motherwell yesterday after meeting with his manager on Monday and Rangers' former Lyon coach said he had been close to taking action against the Scotland captain for a number of weeks.
Everton are monitoring the situation with a view to a possible loan deal, unless Le Guen is removed from office. "If he comes back to play for me, he should have other behaviour," said Le Guen. "He tries to have too much influence. This is a difficult job and it becomes harder and harder when you feel you have someone who is undermining you. I have been patient. I think that the start of the transfer window was the right moment."
Le Guen, who appeared perfectly at ease with the decision and said he had the backing of the club chairman David Murray, would not talk about specifics but added that what he described as Ferguson's unwillingness to carry out his manager's on-field instructions contributed to the problems. Rangers supporters, though, are less relaxed about the circumstances and a "Le Guen Out" banner was in evidence at Fir Park.
Those close to the 28-year-old Ferguson insist he is in no rush to leave but his agent, John Viola, says he has taken "a few calls from people at the highest level".
Rangers' uninspired victory yesterday hinged on a disputed penalty won by Dado Prso after a challenge from the Motherwell goalkeeper Graeme Smith 20 minutes from time. Kris Boyd scored from the spot but Rangers had their goalkeeper, Allan McGregor, to thank after he produced a string of stunning saves. Both sides finished with 10 men, Prso and Marc Fitzpatrick being dismissed for their part in a 72nd-minute goalmouth brawl.
Motherwell's new signing from the National League - Danny Murphy, Paul Keegan and Trevor Molloy - all started on the bench but were introduced by manager Maurice Malpas before the end for their respective club debuts.
Former Cork City full back Murphy came on after came on for Jim Paterson at the half-time break, while Molloy and Keegan, who both joined Motherwell from St Patrick's Athletic, were brought on later in the second-half. Neither of the three were able to have any real impact on the proceedings, however.
Guardian Service
MOTHERWELL: Graeme Smith, Corrigan, Craigan, Reynolds, Paterson (Murphy 46), McGarry (Molloy 71), Kerr, Fitzpatrick, Foran, Clarkson (Keegan 82), McDonald. Subs not used: Meldrum, Quinn, Darren Lee Smith, Connolly. Sent off: Fitzpatrick (73).
RANGERS: McGregor, Hutton, Svensson, Hemdani, Murray, Sionko (Novo 26), Clement, Rae, Burke (Sebo 87), Kris Boyd (Rodriguez 81), Prso. Subs not used: Klos, Adam, Stanger, Lowing. Sent off: Prso (73).
Referee: M McCurry
