Which Insights Can We Learn from Steven Gerrard's Tenure as Rangers Manager?
The former Liverpool captain is at the center of discussion after Rangers dismissed Russell Martin on the weekend, and the former manager is set to discuss a possible comeback with the club's leadership.
Those in charge at Rangers have stated that a "comprehensive, thoughtful hiring process" is currently underway.
Additional names will be reviewed, but if ex Liverpool and England captain is open to a second stint at the club, could the position essentially his?
The 45-year-old manager has recently spoken about “unfinished business” in management and revealed he has started contacting prospective staff for his coaching team.
In a recent podcast interview with Rio Ferdinand, which seemed to be recorded before Martin's short reign ended, Gerrard stated he desired “to be at a club that's set to challenge to win because I think that suits me better”.
He continued: “If the suitable offer comes my way, the right club, the right challenge, and I've assembled my staff, which I plan to have at some point, I'll take that challenge on because it's part of my nature.”
Gerrard's Record at Rangers in Initial Period
After gaining knowledge as a academy manager at Anfield, Gerrard accepted his maiden coaching position in the summer of 2018.
Over three full campaigns at Ibrox, he secured only a single trophy – however it was a big one.
After finishing 13 and nine points behind their rivals in his initial pair of seasons, Gerrard led Rangers to their maiden top-flight championship in a ten years, which coincidentally prevent their Glasgow rivals an historic 10-in-a-row title.
And he did it impressively, with his team unbeaten in the process.
Rangers triumphed in all of their home games, netted 92 goals and conceded a mere 13.
The drawback was that it occurred amid of Covid and empty stadiums.
It remains Rangers' sole title success since the 2010-11 season.
How Did Gerrard's Derby Record Perform?
In sharp difference to Martin's unhappy experience, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, remaining 12 games unbeaten until his initial trip to Parkhead.
In his first campaign the derby results were shared, each side securing two domestic wins, with Rangers having last beaten Celtic in 2012.
Two losses to Celtic came in the next shortened season, followed by Rangers securing a victory in the eastern part of Glasgow for the initial occasion since 2010.
From then on, Gerrard remained unbeaten in Old Firm clashes, winning five additional and drawing once.
Rangers progressed through four rounds of qualifying to enter the group stage of the European competition in Gerrard's first season.
In 2019-20, they progressed to the elimination stage of the identical competition, losing out to the German side in the last 16, with their journey ending at the same stage the next year.
What Led Gerrard Leave Rangers?
The Birmingham club came calling in November 2021, forking out £4.5m in compensation.
He departed Rangers with a lead clear of Celtic at the summit of the table – however their city rivals would recover to prevail by the identical gap.
The attraction of the English top flight is powerful and it could have been viewed as the natural progression on a dream return to Anfield at a time when his managerial stock was high.
“Steven and his backroom staff have made sure that the club is undoubtedly in a better place today than it was several seasons ago,” commented then Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson.
“We have shared a desire to move Rangers forward, to modernise our facilities and to make the club win again.”
What Was Gerrard's Record at Aston Villa and in Saudi Arabia?
Gerrard failed to complete a full season at Villa Park.
Up and down performances resulted in a 14th-place position at the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign before a three-goal defeat at Craven Cottage placed them 17th in October 2022 when he was sacked.
Across 2022, he secured just eight of his 31 games, losing 15.
He moved to the Middle East in summer 2023 when he assumed control at Al-Ettifaq.
His latest job continued for 18 months and he departed with the team sitting 12th in the Saudi league, only five points clear of the relegation zone.
“Overall, I have gained valuable experience, and it's been a beneficial experience for me and for my family,” he remarked in the end of January. “But soccer is uncertain, and at times events don't unfold the way we hope.”
Those after Rangers exploits could cause certain hesitation and the man himself may have doubts over inheriting a struggling squad, but Gerrard likely has the personality to manage such a prominent position.
He is the only Rangers boss to have won the league trophy since the legendary Walter Smith. That achievement might well be hard to ignore for an under-pressure Rangers leadership.