Rangers are on the lookout for a new manager after parting company with Russell Martin. Steven Gerrard is set to return to Ibrox. The Scottish club says they have only started discussions on the timetable with Gerrard. As a coach, he famously guided Rangers to their first Premiership title in a decade in 2021. In his first spell in charge, he denied fierce rivals Celtic the chance to win a historic 10th straight league title. This to many proved that he was a club legend.
Gerrard’s original, three-year stay at Rangers. Most importantly, it culminated in a surprise league title victory that ended decades of disappointment for the long-suffering supporters. He departed to join Aston Villa in November 2021. After a brief spell in charge of Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, he has been out of the game since January. As it stands, Rangers are beset by crises on and off the field. Gerrard’s possible return has ignited an understandable frenzy among fans and pundits in equal measure.
Gerrard’s Impact and Ambitions
So often at Rangers, Gerrard impressed when the spotlight was on him. …he was able to ride out the storm in the brutal footballing landscape of Liverpool. His experience and knowledge of what it takes to be successful at Rangers will stand him in good stead if he does choose to return.
“He’s going to raise the standards,” said Gary McAllister, another former player and club coach. I think, first and foremost, he knows what’s needed to be a success at Rangers football club. This sentiment reflects the optimism surrounding Gerrard’s potential return as he aims to reignite the team’s competitive spirit.
Individually, Gerrard knows that there’s unfinished business at Ibrox. All we know is that he’s anxious to get his managerial career back on track and more concerned about winning games than anything. His commitment to championing success dovetails perfectly with the club’s present need for innovative leadership and vision.
“If there is a deal to be done with Steven Gerrard I think it should get done. You look at what he brought to Rangers the last time – it needs that sort of lift and injection again because it’s been flat now for a period of time.” – Gary McAllister
The Path Forward for Rangers
Rangers find themselves at a critical juncture, with failures where they matters have angered their supporters. As they look for a replacement for unceremoniously dumped Martin, conversations with Gerrard will likely focus on his experience and initial success at Ibrox. Last season, under his leadership, the team won its first league title in ten years. Now, expectations for his second tenure are through the roof.
Ryan Jack, a current player at Rangers, reflected on the potential impact of Gerrard’s return: “He’s won at Rangers before. They’ll be hoping that he can come back and kick on from there.” That is indicative of the faith in Gerrard that he can restore a winning mentality to a fractured group.
In addition to his managerial skills, Gerrard has emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with the right people to achieve success. In his latest podcast with Rio Ferdinand, he shared his tips for developing a solid support crew. This conversation further illustrated his desire to create a winning environment.
A Return Built on Experience
Back in Scotland, Gerrard’s first announcement of leaving Ibrox came amid accusations from board members that he hadn’t been supported enough. This is an excuse he said ended his stay. In retrospect, he admits that he might have stuck around longer if the organization had provided him with greater support from above. From some things he’s done well and others he’s done poorly, he’s learned how to do effective management. If so, when he does come back, he’s positioned to do so in a major way.
He’s not coming back simply to occupy a seat. Gerrard’s focus has always been on winning matches and restoring his reputation. The presence of such an experienced figure could be precisely what Rangers need to regain their status as one of Scotland’s premier clubs.
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