Which Insights Can We Learn from Steven Gerrard's Tenure as Rangers Manager?

Steven Gerrard with the Scottish Premiership trophy in May 2021
Steven Gerrard holding the league trophy in May 2021

The former Liverpool captain has been at the center of discussion after Rangers dismissed Russell Martin on Sunday, and the ex-coach is set to talk about a potential comeback with the team's leadership.

Those in charge at Rangers announced that a "thorough, considered recruitment process" is now underway.

Other candidates will be considered, however if the former Anfield and Three Lions skipper is willing to a second stint at Ibrox, could the position as good as his?

The mid-forties coach lately spoken about “unfinished business” in management and revealed he has started contacting prospective staff for his coaching team.

In a recent audio discussion with Rio Ferdinand, which seemed to be filmed before Martin's brief reign ended, Gerrard expressed he wanted “to be at a team that's set to compete to win because I believe that suits me better”.

He continued: “If the right call comes my way, the appropriate team, the right challenge, and I've got my people set, which I will have at a future date, I'll accept that role because it's in me.”

Gerrard's Record at Rangers in His First Stint

After gaining knowledge as a academy manager at Liverpool, Gerrard took on his maiden coaching position in the mid-year of 2018.

Over three full seasons at Rangers, he won only a single title – but it was a big one.

Following placements of nine and 13 points behind Celtic in his initial pair of seasons, Gerrard led Rangers to their maiden premiership title in a decade, which coincidentally deny their Old Firm rivals an historic 10-in-a-row win.

And he achieved it impressively, with his team undefeated throughout.

Rangers won all of their home games, scored 92 goals and allowed a mere 13.

The drawback was that it occurred amid of the pandemic and fanless grounds.

It remains Rangers' sole title success since 2010-11.

What Was Gerrard's Derby Record Look?

In sharp difference to Martin's disappointing experience, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, remaining 12 games without defeat until his initial trip to Parkhead.

In his debut campaign the derby results were shared, each side securing two home victories, with Rangers having previously defeated Celtic in 2012.

Two losses to Celtic occurred in the next shortened season, after which Rangers securing a victory in the east end of Glasgow for the initial occasion since 2010.

From then on, Gerrard remained unbeaten in derbies, claiming five additional 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 advanced to the elimination stage of the same competition, being eliminated to Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16, with their run concluding at the same stage the next year.

What Led Gerrard Leave Rangers?

The Birmingham club came calling in November 2021, forking out £4.5m in compensation.

He left Rangers four points clear of Celtic at the summit of the standings – but their local opponents would recover to prevail by the identical gap.

The lure of the English top flight is strong and it may have been viewed as the next logical step on a dream return to Liverpool at a time when his managerial stock was high.

“Steven and his coaching team have ensured that the club is clearly in a stronger position today than it was several seasons ago,” said at the time Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson.

“We have had a desire to move Rangers forward, to update our infrastructure and to return the team to winning ways.”

How Did Gerrard's Record at Aston Villa and in Saudi Arabia?

Gerrard failed to complete a full season at Villa Park.

Inconsistent results resulted in a mid-table finish at the conclusion of season 2021-22 before a 3-0 loss at Fulham placed them in 17th in autumn 2022 when he was dismissed.

During 2022, he secured just eight of his 31 games, losing 15.

He transferred to Saudi Arabia in July 2023 when he took over at the Saudi club.

His latest job continued for 18 months and he moved on with the club placed in 12th in the Saudi league, only five points above the drop zone.

“Overall, I have learned a lot, and it's been a positive journey for me and for my family,” he said in the end of January. “But soccer is uncertain, and sometimes events don't unfold the way we hope.”

These post-Ibrox experiences may give certain pause for thought and the individual may have concerns over taking over a struggling squad, but Gerrard likely has the personality to manage such a high-profile position.

He is the sole Rangers manager to have lifted the league trophy since the great Walter Smith. That achievement could be hard to ignore for an under-pressure Ibrox board.

Tamara Frank
Tamara Frank

A seasoned communication strategist with over 10 years of experience in nonprofit and corporate sectors, passionate about storytelling and digital engagement.