The Rangers football club finds itself at a critical crossroads following the departure of Russell Martin. His short 123-day tenure resulted in only five victories out of 17 matches, leaving fans disappointed. The head coaching position at Ibrox has seen a revolving door of candidates, and supporters are acutely aware that the next appointment must be the right one. If the decision-makers at Rangers are considering bringing back Steven Gerrard, they will need to navigate several complex issues.
Gerrard’s Desire to Return
To the delight of many Rangers fans, Gerrard has expressed a strong desire to return to coaching after a less-than-stellar stint in the Saudi Pro League. His bond with the Rangers faithful remains intact; he left the club in November 2021 to widespread regret among supporters. When news of his availability broke, many fans found themselves hopeful, clutching their scarves and wondering if their prayers were finally being answered.
However, reaching an agreement will not be as simple as exchanging matchday programs. Previous discussions between Gerrard’s representatives and the Ibrox hierarchy stalled due to various concerns. Gerrard’s family still resides in Bahrain, which adds another layer of complexity to his potential return. Before making a commitment, he will understandably seek assurance about the club’s direction to avoid another short-lived departure.
Club’s Interest and Current Candidates
Rangers have made it clear that they are interested in exploring the option of Gerrard’s return. Nevertheless, this situation remains fluid. Reports indicate that Sean Dyche has not been nominated for consideration, making Gerrard the standout candidate at this stage.
An Impressive Record at Rangers
Reflecting on his previous stint at Rangers, Gerrard’s managerial record is noteworthy. Over 193 matches, he achieved 125 victories and suffered only 26 defeats, resulting in an impressive win rate of 64.8 percent. For context, Brendan Rodgers led Celtic to success during his first tenure with a 69.8 percent win rate, albeit over fewer matches. These statistics demonstrate Gerrard’s ability to produce results.
Gerrard’s crowning achievement came in the 2020–21 season when he ended a decade-long title drought and restored Rangers’ supremacy in Scotland. After this milestone, the allure of Premier League football prompted Aston Villa to bring him on board, a move he found difficult to resist. However, with Villa now stabilized and the Scottish call irresistible, the prospect of a homecoming certainly has its charm.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead
Whether Gerrard will return to don the Rangers training gear again depends on further discussions and perhaps some soul-searching. If all the pieces fall into place, the next chapter at Ibrox could see him back in familiar territory. Fans should not be surprised if he brings his ironing board and teabags, ready for another managerial marathon at a club where he made his mark.
As the situation develops, Rangers fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the unfolding drama that could shape the club’s future.