Which Insights Should We Take Away from Gerrard's Tenure as Rangers Manager?
Steven Gerrard has been at the center of discussion after Rangers dismissed Russell Martin on the weekend, and the ex-coach will discuss a possible comeback with the team's leadership.
The decision-makers at Rangers have stated that a "thorough, considered recruitment procedure" is currently in progress.
Other candidates will be reviewed, but if the former Anfield and Three Lions captain is willing to a return spell at Ibrox, is the job as good as his?
The 45-year-old coach lately spoken about “unfinished business” in coaching and disclosed he has started contacting prospective staff for his coaching team.
In a recent podcast interview with Rio Ferdinand, appearing to be filmed before Martin's brief tenure ended, Gerrard expressed he desired “to be at a club that's going to challenge to win because I think that suits me more”.
He continued: “If the suitable offer comes my way, the right club, the correct opportunity, and I've assembled my staff, which I plan to have at a future date, I'll accept that role because it's part of my nature.”
Gerrard's Record at Rangers in His First Stint
After gaining knowledge as a academy manager at Anfield, Gerrard took on his maiden coaching role in the summer of 2018.
Over three full seasons at Rangers, he secured just one trophy – however it was a big one.
After finishing nine and 13 points behind their rivals in his first two seasons, Gerrard led Rangers to their maiden premiership championship in a decade, which just happened to prevent their Glasgow rivals an unprecedented tenth consecutive win.
And he did it in style, with his team undefeated throughout.
Rangers won all of their domestic games, scored 92 goals and allowed a only 13.
The drawback was that it came against a backdrop of Covid and empty stadiums.
It continues to be Rangers' sole league triumph since 2010-11.
How Did Gerrard's Old Firm Record Perform?
In stark contrast to Martin's disappointing experience, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, remaining 12 games without defeat until his initial trip to Parkhead.
In his first campaign the derby honours were even, each side earning two domestic wins, with Rangers having previously defeated 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 first time since 2010.
After that, Gerrard remained unbeaten in Old Firm clashes, winning five more and drawing once.
Rangers came through four stages of qualifying to enter the group stage of the Europa League in Gerrard's first season.
In the 2019-20 campaign, they progressed to the elimination stage of the identical tournament, losing out to the German side in the round of 16, with their run ending at the identical round the following season.
What Led Gerrard Leave Rangers?
The Birmingham club came calling in November 2021, forking out £4.5m in fees.
He left Rangers four points ahead of Celtic at the summit of the standings – but their local opponents would claw that back to prevail by the same margin.
The attraction of the Premier League is powerful and it may have been seen as the natural progression on a dream comeback to Anfield at a time when his coaching reputation was high.
“Steven and his backroom staff have ensured that the team 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 update our infrastructure and to return the team to winning ways.”
How Did Gerrard's Record at Villa & Al-Ettifaq?
Gerrard failed to complete a full season at Villa Park.
Up and down results yielded a 14th-place finish at the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign before a three-goal loss at Fulham placed them 17th in autumn 2022 when he was sacked.
Across 2022, he secured only eight of his 31 games, losing 15.
He moved to the Middle East in July 2023 when he assumed control at the Saudi club.
His most recent role continued for 18 months and he moved on with the team sitting 12th in the Saudi Pro League, just five points above the drop zone.
“In summary, I have gained valuable experience, and it's been a positive experience for me and for my family,” he remarked in the end of January. “But soccer is unpredictable, and sometimes things don't go the way we want.”
These post-Ibrox experiences may give some pause for thought and the man himself might harbor concerns over inheriting a struggling team, but Gerrard likely has the character to handle such a high-profile position.
He is the only Rangers manager to have lifted the league trophy since the great Walter Smith. That experience could be difficult to overlook for an pressured Ibrox board.
