Which Insights Should We Learn from Gerrard's Time as Glasgow Rangers Manager?
The former Liverpool captain has been in the spotlight of conversation after Rangers dismissed Russell Martin on the weekend, and the former manager is set to discuss a possible comeback with the team's owners.
Those in charge at Rangers announced that a "comprehensive, considered recruitment process" is now in progress.
Other candidates are set to be reviewed, however if ex Liverpool and England skipper is open to a second stint at the club, is the job essentially his?
The mid-forties coach has recently mentioned about “unfinished business” in coaching and disclosed he has started approaching potential staff for his coaching team.
In a recent audio discussion with Rio Ferdinand, which seemed to be filmed prior to Martin's short tenure ended, Gerrard expressed he desired “to be at a club that's set to compete to win because I think that fits me more”.
He continued: “If the suitable offer comes my way, the appropriate team, the correct opportunity, and I've assembled my staff, which I will have at some point, I'll accept that role because it's part of my nature.”
Gerrard's Record at Rangers in Initial Period
After gaining knowledge as a youth development coach at Liverpool, Gerrard accepted his first managerial position in the mid-year of 2018.
Over three complete campaigns at Ibrox, he won only a single trophy – however it proved significant.
After finishing nine and 13 points behind Celtic in his first two seasons, Gerrard guided Rangers to their maiden premiership championship in a ten years, which just happened to prevent their Glasgow rivals an historic tenth consecutive win.
And he did it in style, with his team unbeaten throughout.
Rangers triumphed in all of their domestic games, netted 92 goals and conceded a only 13.
The downside was that it occurred against a backdrop of the pandemic and empty stadiums.
It remains Rangers' only title success since the 2010-11 season.
What Was Gerrard's Old Firm Record Look?
In sharp difference to Martin's unhappy spell, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, remaining 12 games unbeaten until his initial trip to Celtic Park.
In his debut campaign the Old Firm results were shared, each side earning two home victories, with Rangers having previously defeated Celtic in 2012.
Two losses to Celtic occurred in the following shortened season, after which Rangers securing a victory in the eastern part of Glasgow for the first time since 2010.
After that, Gerrard remained unbeaten in derbies, winning five additional and drawing once.
Rangers came through four rounds of qualifying to enter the group stage of the European competition in Gerrard's first season.
In 2019-20, they advanced to the knockout rounds of the same tournament, losing out to the German side in the last 16, with their journey concluding at the same stage the following season.
Why Did Gerrard Leave Rangers?
Aston Villa made an approach in November 2021, paying £4.5m in compensation.
He departed Rangers four points ahead of Celtic at the summit of the standings – however their city rivals would claw that back to prevail by the same margin.
The lure of the English top flight is strong and it may have been viewed as the next logical step on a dream comeback to Liverpool at a point when his coaching reputation was high.
“Steven and his backroom staff have ensured that the club is clearly in a stronger position today than it was three-and-a-half years ago,” said then Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson.
“We have had a desire to advance the club, to modernise our facilities and to make the club win again.”
How Did Gerrard's Record at Villa & Al-Ettifaq?
Gerrard did not last a year at Aston Villa.
Up and down results yielded a mid-table finish at the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign before a three-goal loss at Craven Cottage placed them 17th in autumn 2022 when he was sacked.
During 2022, he won just eight of his 31 games, suffering defeat in 15.
He transferred to Saudi Arabia in summer 2023 when he assumed control at the Saudi club.
His latest role continued for a year and a half and he moved on with the club sitting in 12th in the Saudi Pro League, only five points clear of the relegation zone.
“In summary, I have gained valuable experience, and it's been a positive experience for me and for my loved ones,” he said in the end of January. “But football is uncertain, and sometimes events don't unfold the way we want.”
Those after Rangers exploits could cause some pause for thought and the individual may have doubts over taking over a struggling team, but Gerrard probably has the personality to handle such a high-profile position.
He is the sole Rangers boss to have lifted the league trophy since the great Walter Smith. That experience might well be difficult to overlook for an pressured Rangers leadership.