Could Gerrard Be Making a Comeback at Rangers?

Steven Gerrard, the former Rangers manager, has revealed he was "very close" to a return to the club but ultimately decided against it due to concerns about timing and family commitments. Gerrard, who managed Rangers from 2018 to 2021 and led them to a Scottish title win in the 2020-21 season, stated that while he had positive discussions with the club's owners, he felt rushed and uncertain about the situation, making it clear the conditions were not "perfect" for such a significant role.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Following the dismissal of Russell Martin, Steven Gerrard was in discussions to potentially return to Rangers as manager. However, he opted out of the role after considering various factors, including family logistics and the club's current management structure. Gerrard indicated that he still holds a deep affection for Rangers but felt the timing was not conducive to a successful return.

Key takeaways

Gerrard had talks with Rangers after Russell Martin's departure.
He withdrew from the process due to timing and family commitments.
The former manager expressed that he needed to be "100% ready" for such a significant role.

Timeline: how we got here

Steven Gerrard's managerial career at Rangers spanned from June 2018 to November 2021, culminating in a Scottish Premiership title triumph in the 2020-21 season. After leaving Rangers, he had stints with Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, both of which did not yield significant success. The recent discussions regarding his possible return occurred in September 2023, following Russell Martin's exit from Rangers.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Gerrard's recent comments reveal that he was indeed close to returning to Rangers, but ultimately felt the decision was not right at this moment. He emphasised the importance of being fully prepared and having the right conditions in his personal life.

What was already established

It was previously known that Gerrard had a successful tenure at Rangers, leading them to their first league title in a decade. His managerial reputation was solidified during this period, but his subsequent roles at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq were less successful, raising questions about his readiness for a return to a high-pressure role in Scottish football.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing discussions and management changes at Rangers can affect fan sentiment and engagement, leading to potential fluctuations in merchandise sales and attendance at matches. Fans may feel uncertain about the club's direction if there is instability in management.

Businesses and jobs

Rangers' management decisions also have implications for the club's commercial partners and sponsors, who may be affected by the performance and public perception of the club. Stability in management is crucial for maintaining commercial relationships.

Policy and regulation

No significant policy changes are anticipated directly related to this managerial situation, but ongoing management reviews and adjustments may lead to shifts in operational strategy for the club.

Numbers that matter

3: Number of clubs Gerrard managed since leaving Rangers.
1: Scottish Premiership title won during his time at Rangers.
2: The number of years he spent as manager at Rangers.

Definitions and jargon buster

Scottish Premiership: The top professional football division in Scotland.
Head Coach vs. Manager: In some clubs, the head coach focuses more on team tactics while the manager has overall control, including transfers and player recruitment.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Rangers will likely continue their search for a new manager to fill the void left by Russell Martin. Fans and analysts will be watching closely for any developments.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the new manager settles in, the team's performance will be closely scrutinised, especially regarding their league standing and cup competitions. Rangers will be keen to improve on previous seasons' performances.

Signals to watch

Performance in upcoming matches.
Official announcements regarding managerial appointments.
Fan engagement levels through ticket sales and merchandise purchases.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on club announcements regarding managerial changes.
Engage with fan forums to discuss the implications of management changes.
Support the team, irrespective of managerial instability.

Don’t

Do not rush to judgement about the club's future based on managerial changes.
Avoid engaging in negative speculation about players' performances.
Don’t disregard the importance of fan support during transitions.

Checklist

Check for updates on managerial appointments.
Monitor team performance in the league.
Participate in club events and discussions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Gerrard's interest in returning to Rangers was genuine, uncertainties remain regarding the club's direction and management structure. Fans should remain cautious about the implications of changes and the potential for instability in results and team performance.

Bottom line

Steven Gerrard's decision to withdraw from discussions about returning to Rangers highlights the complexities of football management and personal commitments. With ongoing changes at the club, the focus will be on finding a suitable replacement who can lead Rangers effectively while maintaining the connection with the fans.

FAQs

Why did Steven Gerrard turn down the Rangers manager role?

Steven Gerrard turned down the Rangers manager role due to concerns about timing and family commitments, stating he needed to be "100% ready" for such an important position.

What did Gerrard achieve during his time at Rangers?

During his tenure from 2018 to 2021, Gerrard led Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade, solidifying his reputation as a successful manager.

What are the implications of Gerrard's decision for Rangers?

Gerrard's decision may lead to further instability at Rangers, prompting the club to seek a new manager who can navigate the team through upcoming challenges effectively.