What Lessons Should We Learn from Gerrard's Time as Glasgow Rangers Manager?

Steven Gerrard has been at the center of conversation after Rangers parted ways with Russell Martin on Sunday, while the ex-coach is set to talk about a possible comeback with the club's leadership.

The decision-makers at Rangers have stated that a "comprehensive, considered recruitment procedure" is currently underway.

Additional names will be reviewed, however if the former Anfield and Three Lions skipper is willing to a return spell at the club, is the job essentially his?

The 45-year-old coach has recently spoken about “remaining goals” in management and disclosed he has started contacting prospective members for his backroom team.

In a latest audio discussion with the former defender, which seemed to be recorded before Martin's brief reign concluded, Gerrard expressed he wanted “to be at a club that's going to challenge to win because I think that fits me more”.

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

Performance at Rangers in Initial Period

Having acquired knowledge as a academy manager at Anfield, Gerrard accepted his maiden coaching position in the summer of 2018.

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

Following placements of nine and 13 points after Celtic in his initial pair of seasons, Gerrard led Rangers to their first top-flight title in a ten years, which just happened to prevent their Glasgow rivals an historic 10-in-a-row title.

And he did it in style, with his team undefeated throughout.

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

The drawback was that it came amid of Covid and empty stadiums.

It remains Rangers' sole league triumph since the 2010-11 season.

What Was Gerrard's Derby Record Perform?

In stark contrast to Martin's disappointing experience, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, remaining 12 games unbeaten until his first visit to Parkhead.

In his debut season the derby results were even, each side earning two domestic wins, with Rangers having previously defeated Celtic in 2012.

A pair of defeats to Celtic occurred in the next truncated season, followed by Rangers winning in the eastern part of Glasgow for the first time since 2010.

After that, Gerrard stayed unbeaten in Old Firm clashes, claiming five more and tying once.

Rangers progressed through four stages of qualifying to reach the group stage of the Europa League in Gerrard's debut season.

In 2019-20, they advanced to the elimination stage of the same tournament, being eliminated to Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16, with their run ending at the same stage the next year.

What Led Gerrard Leave Rangers?

Aston Villa came calling in November 2021, forking out £4.5m in compensation.

He left Rangers with a lead ahead of Celtic at the summit of the standings – however their city rivals would recover to prevail by the same margin.

The lure of the Premier League is strong and it could have been seen as the next logical step on a fairytale comeback to Liverpool at a time when his managerial stock was high.

“Steven and his coaching team have ensured that the team is undoubtedly in a better place today than it was three-and-a-half years ago,” said then Rangers football executive Ross Wilson.

“We have shared a desire to advance the club, 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 did not last a year at Aston Villa.

Up and down performances resulted in a mid-table finish at the conclusion of season 2021-22 before a 3-0 defeat at Fulham placed them in 17th in October 2022 when he was sacked.

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

He moved to Saudi Arabia in July 2023 when he assumed control at the Saudi club.

His latest role lasted 18 months and he departed with the team placed 12th in the Saudi Pro League, just five points above the relegation zone.

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

Those post-Ibrox experiences may give certain pause for thought and the individual might harbor concerns over taking over a underperforming squad, but Gerrard likely has the personality to manage such a prominent post.

He is the only Rangers boss to have won the league trophy since the great Walter Smith. That experience could be difficult to overlook for an pressured Ibrox board.