Barry Ferguson snaps back at Michael Beale as Rangers legend riled by 'snake' rant

Barry Ferguson has hit back at Michael Beale for claiming "snakes" undermined him as manager.

Beale - who this week linked up with ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia - lasted just 10 months at Ibrox after a trophyless spell in charge. The 44-year-old has also had short stints at QPR and Sunderland and served as Gerrard's assistant manager at Gers and Aston Villa.

But in an interview earlier this week, Beale said: "Around a couple of the moves I've had as a manager, I saw loads of snakes and people come out of the woodwork."

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Former Rangers captain Ferguson couldn't fail to see the apparent irony in the remarks, pointing to the fact Beale pitched up at the directors' box as Gio van Bronckhorst battled to save his job at Ibrox. It came as no surprise weeks later when GVB was inevitable sacked that Beale returned to take over his job.

And speaking to the Daily Record, Fergie blasted: "Beale was entirely responsible for the decisions he made during his time in charge. For him to suggest that people around the club wanted him to fail is simply not the case. He had his shot and it wasn't a good time for anyone.

"Remember, this is a guy who was prepared to be seen sitting in the directors' box when van Bronckhorst was fighting to stay in control. So maybe he's not best placed to start talking about morals. He ended up taking Gio's job. But that's for Beale's conscience."