Steven Gerrard, the former Liverpool and England midfielder, is set to hold discussions with Rangers about potentially returning as their new head coach. This news comes after BBC Sport reported on Tuesday that the Scottish Premiership club was open to reappointing Gerrard. However, they were awaiting confirmation of his interest in returning to Ibrox.
Rangers are now preparing to discuss the position with Gerrard over the coming days as they seek a replacement for Russell Martin who was dismissed on Sunday. Sources suggest that while Gerrard is one of several candidates Rangers wish to speak with, he has emerged as one of the leading contenders due largely to his popularity among many supporters. The club remains committed though, determined not rush into any decisions but instead undertake a thorough selection process.
Gerrard previously managed Rangers from 2018 until 2021 and led them to their first domestic title in a decade. Since his departure for Aston Villa in November 2021, however, Rangers have failed to secure another championship title.
Look at Gerrard's coaching career
After finishing 14th in his inaugural season at Aston Villa - a Premier League club - he was let go just twelve games into the subsequent campaign. In July 2023, he took up managerial duties at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq but left by mutual agreement six months later.
Following this stint abroad and before Martin's appointment last June, there were already rumors linking him back with the vacant position at Rangers.
In an interview this week with former England teammate Rio Ferdinand on 'Rio Ferdinand Presents Podcast', Gerrard expressed his eagerness return management but emphasized that he wanted "to be at a team that's going compete win because I think suits me better".
Current state of affairs
Russell Martin's tenure at Rangers was marked by a disappointing performance, winning only five of his seventeen matches and leaving the team in eighth place - 11 points behind league leaders Hearts.
Gerrard revealed that he had received "five or six really interesting phone calls" since his departure from Saudi Arabia but stated that the timing had not been right. As talks with Rangers progress, fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike will be eagerly watching to see if this is indeed the right time for Gerrard's return to Ibrox.
