Which Insights Should We Take Away from Gerrard's Time as Glasgow Rangers Head Coach?
Steven Gerrard is at the center of conversation after Rangers parted ways with Russell Martin on Sunday, and the former manager will talk about a possible comeback with the club's owners.
Those in charge at Rangers announced that a "comprehensive, thoughtful hiring procedure" is now in progress.
Other candidates are set to be reviewed, however if ex Liverpool and England skipper is willing to a second stint at Ibrox, could the position as good as his?
The mid-forties coach lately spoken about “remaining goals” in coaching and disclosed he has begun approaching potential members for his coaching team.
In a recent podcast interview with the former defender, appearing to be filmed prior to Martin's brief reign concluded, Gerrard expressed he wanted “to be at a club that's set to challenge to win because I think that fits me better”.
He added: “If the suitable offer arrives, the right club, the correct opportunity, and I've got my people set, which I will have at a future date, I'll accept that role because it's part of my nature.”
Performance at Rangers in Initial Period
Having acquired experience as a academy manager at Liverpool, Gerrard took on his maiden coaching role in the mid-year of 2018.
During three complete seasons at Ibrox, he secured only a single trophy – however it was a big one.
After finishing nine and 13 points after Celtic in his first two campaigns, Gerrard guided Rangers to their maiden top-flight title in a decade, which coincidentally prevent their Glasgow rivals an unprecedented 10-in-a-row win.
And he did it in style, with his team unbeaten in the process.
Rangers won all of their home games, scored 92 goals and conceded a mere 13.
The downside was that it came amid of the pandemic and fanless grounds.
It remains Rangers' only league triumph since the 2010-11 season.
How Did Gerrard's Derby Record Perform?
In sharp difference to Martin's unhappy spell, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, going 12 games unbeaten until his initial trip to Parkhead.
In his first season the derby honours were even, each side securing two home wins, with Rangers having last beaten Celtic in 2012.
Two losses to Celtic occurred in the next truncated season, followed by Rangers securing a victory in the eastern part of Glasgow for the first time since 2010.
After that, Gerrard remained undefeated in derbies, winning five more and tying once.
Rangers progressed through four rounds of qualifying to enter the main phase of the European competition in Gerrard's first season.
In 2019-20, they advanced to the knockout rounds of the identical competition, losing out to the German side in the last 16, with their journey ending at the identical round the following season.
What Led Gerrard Leave Rangers?
Aston Villa made an approach in November 2021, forking out £4.5m in compensation.
He departed Rangers four points ahead of Celtic at the top of the standings – but their city rivals would recover to win by the same margin.
The lure of the English top flight is powerful and it may have been viewed as the natural progression on a dream return to Anfield at a time when his managerial stock was at its peak.
“Steven and his backroom staff have made sure that the club is undoubtedly in a stronger position today than it was three-and-a-half years ago,” commented at the time Rangers football executive Ross Wilson.
“We have shared a desire to move Rangers forward, to update our infrastructure and to return the team to winning ways.”
What Was Gerrard's Record at Aston Villa and in Saudi Arabia?
Gerrard failed to complete a full season at Aston Villa.
Inconsistent results resulted in a mid-table finish at the end of season 2021-22 before a 3-0 defeat at Fulham placed them 17th in October 2022 when he was dismissed.
Across 2022, he won just eight of his 31 games, losing 15.
He transferred to the Middle East in summer 2023 when he took over at the Saudi club.
His latest role continued for 18 months and he moved on with the club sitting in 12th in the Saudi league, just five points above the relegation zone.
“In summary, I have learned a lot, and it's been a positive experience for me and for my loved ones,” he remarked in the end of January. “But football is unpredictable, and at times events don't unfold the way we want.”
Those after Rangers exploits may give some hesitation and the man himself might harbor doubts over taking over a struggling squad, but Gerrard probably has the character to manage such a high-profile post.
He is the only Rangers boss to have lifted the league trophy since the great Walter Smith. That achievement could be hard to ignore for an pressured Rangers leadership.
