Ferguson, an assistant at A-League club Central Coast Mariners, was announced today in Townsville as the new A-League club's inaugural coach.

He beat out rivals Phil Stubbins of Adelaide United and former Sydney FC assistant Ian Crook for the position which begins with immediate effect.

In his Scottish homeland, Ferguson is an icon of the local game. In 2006 Ferguson was admittted to the prestigious Rangers Hall of Fame.

In twelve seasons at Ibrox, he amassed over 350 appearances and played an integral part in the perhaps the clubs greatest ever success – nine consecutive Scottish Premier League Championships between 1989 and 1997.

Ferguson has been with the Mariners as assistant to Lawrie McKinna since the club's inaugural season.

The former Rangers immortal departing the Mariners with the blessing and best wishes from his former employers.

"While it will always be with mixed emotions that we farewell anyone from the Mariners family, let alone a stalwart who has been there from day one, there will always come a time when some members of the club will need to move on to further their own career," said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.

And if Ferguson wants inspiration, he can look at another former Rangers great in Charlie Miller. The veteran striker has now scored four times in as many games for Queensland Roar after signing in the off-season.

Miller's signing came about after another former Rangers star Craig Moore – captain of Roar – lobbied to bring the talismanic striker to Suncorp Stadium. Miller was described as one of the most talented strikers to have ever come through the Rangers first team back in the 90s.

However, Gold Coast United boss Miron Bleiberg has told au.fourfourtwo.com not to expect a Rangers trifecta in his part of the world.

"Our recruitment policy is based solely on the quality of the player, not his origin.

"Besides, Roar and North Queensland are our rivals so 'family ties' don't come into it as far as we're concerned," he said jokingly.