Barry Ferguson axed as 17 leave Blackpool

FORMER Scotland and Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has formally been axed by Blackpool as part of a 17-player cull at Bloomfield Road.
Let go: Barry Ferguson. Picture: PALet go: Barry Ferguson. Picture: PA
Let go: Barry Ferguson. Picture: PA

Ferguson, 36, had spent the last three seasons at Blackpool following his departure from Birmingham City. He had been in caretaker charge of the side for the final five months of the season and steered then to safety in the Championship. Ferguson is weighing up his options, and whether he looks to make a permanent move into management or continues to play will depend on how well he recovers from ankle surgery.

Former Rangers SPL title winner El Hadji Diouf is also looking for new employers after being shown the door as part of a massive cull at Leeds United. Diouf, 33, who won the title during a loan spell at Rangers from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, is one of 16 players who have been released at the end of their contracts. He has spent the last two seasons at Leeds but only made seven appearances during the current campaign.