What Lessons Should We Take Away from Steven Gerrard's Time as Glasgow Rangers Manager?

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

The former Liverpool captain has been at the center of discussion since Rangers parted ways with Russell Martin on the weekend, and the former manager is set to discuss a potential comeback with the team's leadership.

Those in charge at Ibrox have stated that a "thorough, considered recruitment process" is now in progress.

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

The mid-forties manager lately mentioned about “unfinished business” in coaching and disclosed he has begun approaching potential members for his backroom team.

In a latest audio interview with Rio Ferdinand, which seemed to be filmed prior to Martin's brief reign ended, Gerrard stated he desired “to be at a team that's going to compete to win because I think that suits me more”.

He added: “If the suitable offer arrives, the appropriate team, the correct opportunity, and I've assembled my staff, which I will have at some point, I'll accept that role because it's part of my nature.”

Gerrard's Record at Rangers in His First Stint

Having acquired knowledge as a youth development manager at Anfield, Gerrard accepted his first managerial position in the mid-year of 2018.

During three full campaigns at Rangers, he secured only a single title – however it proved significant.

Following placements of 13 and nine points behind Celtic in his initial pair of seasons, Gerrard guided Rangers to their maiden premiership championship in a ten years, which coincidentally prevent their Old Firm rivals an unprecedented 10-in-a-row title.

And he did it impressively, with his team unbeaten throughout.

Rangers triumphed in all of their home games, scored 92 goals and allowed a only 13.

The downside was that it occurred amid of the pandemic and empty stadiums.

It continues to be Rangers' sole title success since the 2010-11 season.

How Did Gerrard's Derby Record Perform?

In stark contrast to Martin's unhappy experience, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, remaining 12 games without defeat until his first visit to Parkhead.

In his first campaign the derby results were even, each side earning two domestic victories, with Rangers having last beaten Celtic in 2012.

A pair of defeats to Celtic occurred in the next shortened season, after which Rangers securing a victory in the eastern part of Glasgow for the initial occasion since 2010.

From then on, Gerrard stayed unbeaten in derbies, winning five additional and tying once.

Rangers progressed through four stages of preliminaries to reach the group stage of the European competition in Gerrard's debut season.

In 2019-20, they advanced to the elimination stage of the identical tournament, losing out to Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16, with their run concluding at the same stage the following season.

What Led Gerrard Depart Rangers?

Aston Villa made an approach in late 2021, forking out £4.5m in compensation.

He left Rangers with a lead clear of Celtic at the summit of the standings – but their city rivals would recover to prevail by the identical gap.

The attraction of the Premier League is powerful and it may have been seen as the next logical step on a dream return to Liverpool at a point when his managerial stock was at its peak.

“Steven and his backroom staff have made sure that the club is clearly in a stronger position today than it was three-and-a-half years ago,” said at the time Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson.

“We have shared a goal to advance the club, to modernise our facilities and to return the team to winning ways.”

How Did Gerrard's Record at Villa & Al-Ettifaq?

Gerrard did not last a year at Aston Villa.

Up and down results yielded a 14th-place finish at the end of the 2021-22 campaign before a three-goal loss at Craven Cottage left them 17th in October 2022 when he was dismissed.

During 2022, he secured only eight of his 31 games, suffering defeat in 15.

He moved to Saudi Arabia in July 2023 when he assumed control at Al-Ettifaq.

His most recent role lasted a year and a half and he moved on with the team sitting in 12th in the Saudi Pro League, just five points above the relegation zone.

“In summary, I have gained valuable experience, and it's been a beneficial journey for me and for my family,” he said in late January. “But football is uncertain, and sometimes things don't go the way we hope.”

These after Rangers experiences may give some hesitation and the individual may have concerns over taking over a underperforming team, but Gerrard likely has the personality to handle such a prominent position.

He is the sole Rangers boss to have won the league trophy since the great Walter Smith. That experience might well be hard to ignore for an under-pressure Rangers leadership.

Anne Quinn
Anne Quinn

Tech enthusiast and writer passionate about AI and digital transformation, sharing insights to inspire innovation.

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