What Insights Should We Take Away from Gerrard's Tenure as Glasgow Rangers Manager?
Steven Gerrard is at the center of conversation after Rangers dismissed Russell Martin on the weekend, and the former manager is set to talk about a potential comeback with the club's owners.
Those in charge at Ibrox have stated that a "thorough, thoughtful hiring process" is now in progress.
Other candidates will be considered, but if the former Liverpool and England skipper is willing to a return spell at Ibrox, could the position as good as his?
The mid-forties manager lately spoken about âunfinished businessâ in coaching and revealed he has started contacting prospective staff for his coaching team.
In a recent podcast interview with the former defender, appearing to be recorded prior to Martin's brief tenure ended, Gerrard stated he wanted âto be at a club that's going to compete to win because I believe that suits me moreâ.
He continued: âIf the suitable offer arrives, the right club, the right challenge, and I've got my people set, which I plan to have at some point, I'll take that challenge on because it's part of my nature.â
Gerrard's Record at Rangers in His First Stint
After gaining knowledge as a youth development coach at Anfield, Gerrard took on his first managerial position in the summer of 2018.
Over three complete seasons at Rangers, he won just one title â but it was a big one.
After finishing nine and 13 points after Celtic in his first two campaigns, Gerrard led Rangers to their maiden premiership title in a ten years, which coincidentally prevent their Old Firm rivals an historic 10-in-a-row title.
And he achieved it in style, with his team unbeaten in the process.
Rangers won all of their domestic games, scored 92 goals and allowed a mere 13.
The downside was that it occurred amid of the pandemic and fanless grounds.
It continues to be Rangers' only league triumph since 2010-11.
What Was Gerrard's Derby Record Look?
In stark contrast to Martin's unhappy experience, Gerrard hit the ground running at Rangers, going 12 games unbeaten until his first visit to Parkhead.
In his first campaign the Old Firm honours were shared, each side securing two domestic victories, with Rangers having last beaten Celtic in 2012.
Two losses to Celtic came in the following truncated season, after which Rangers securing a victory in the eastern part of Glasgow for the initial occasion since 2010.
After that, Gerrard remained undefeated in derbies, winning five additional and tying once.
Rangers progressed through four rounds of qualifying to enter the main phase of the Europa League in Gerrard's debut season.
In the 2019-20 campaign, they advanced to the elimination stage of the identical competition, being eliminated to Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16, with their journey ending at the same stage the next year.
What Led Gerrard Leave Rangers?
The Birmingham club made an approach in late 2021, forking out ÂŁ4.5m in fees.
He departed Rangers four points ahead of Celtic at the top of the table â however their local opponents would recover to prevail by the identical gap.
The attraction of the Premier League is powerful and it may have been seen as the natural progression on a fairytale comeback to Anfield at a time when his managerial stock was at its peak.
âSteven and his coaching team have ensured that the club is clearly in a stronger position today than it was three-and-a-half years ago,â said at the time Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson.
âWe have had a desire to move Rangers forward, to update our facilities and to return the team to winning ways.â
What Was Gerrard's Record at Aston Villa and in Saudi Arabia?
Gerrard failed to complete a year at Villa Park.
Inconsistent results resulted in a 14th-place position at the conclusion of season 2021-22 before a 3-0 loss at Fulham left them in 17th in autumn 2022 when he was sacked.
During 2022, he secured just eight of his 31 games, losing 15.
He transferred to the Middle East in July 2023 when he assumed control at the Saudi club.
His most recent job lasted a year and a half and he moved on with the team sitting in 12th in the Saudi league, just five points above the relegation zone.
âOverall, I have learned a lot, and it's been a beneficial journey personally and for my family,â he remarked in the end of January. âBut soccer is uncertain, and sometimes events don't unfold the way we hope.â
These after Rangers exploits may give certain hesitation and the individual may have concerns over inheriting a struggling team, but Gerrard probably has the personality to handle such a high-profile post.
He is the sole Rangers boss to have won the championship since the great Walter Smith. That achievement could be hard to ignore for an pressured Ibrox board.