Which Lessons Can We Take Away from Steven Gerrard's Tenure as Rangers Head Coach?
Steven Gerrard has been in the spotlight of discussion after Rangers parted ways with Russell Martin on Sunday, and the ex-coach is set to discuss a potential comeback with the team's owners.
The decision-makers at Ibrox announced that a "thorough, considered hiring procedure" is now in progress.
Other candidates are set to be considered, however if the former Liverpool and England captain is open to a second stint at Ibrox, is the job as good as his?
The 45-year-old coach lately spoken about “unfinished business” in coaching and revealed he has begun contacting potential members for his coaching team.
In a recent podcast discussion with Rio Ferdinand, appearing to be filmed before Martin's short reign ended, Gerrard stated he wanted “to be at a team that's going to compete to win because I think that fits me better”.
He added: “If the suitable offer comes my way, the right club, the correct opportunity, and I've got my people set, 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 Initial Period
Having acquired knowledge as a youth development coach at Anfield, Gerrard accepted his maiden coaching position in the mid-year of 2018.
Over three full seasons at Rangers, he won just one trophy – however it was a big one.
After finishing 13 and nine points behind Celtic in his first two seasons, Gerrard guided Rangers to their maiden top-flight championship in a decade, which coincidentally deny their Glasgow rivals an unprecedented 10-in-a-row title.
And he did it impressively, with his team undefeated throughout.
Rangers triumphed in all of their home games, netted 92 goals and allowed a mere 13.
The downside was that it occurred amid of Covid and empty stadiums.
It remains Rangers' sole title success since the 2010-11 season.
What Was Gerrard's Derby Record Perform?
In stark contrast to Martin's unhappy spell, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, remaining 12 games unbeaten until his initial trip to Celtic Park.
In his debut season the derby honours were shared, each side securing two home wins, with Rangers having previously defeated Celtic in 2012.
A pair of defeats to Celtic came in the next shortened season, followed by Rangers winning in the east end of Glasgow for the initial occasion since 2010.
After that, Gerrard remained undefeated in derbies, claiming five additional and drawing once.
Rangers progressed through four rounds of qualifying to reach the main phase of the Europa League in Gerrard's debut season.
In 2019-20, they advanced to the knockout rounds of the same competition, being eliminated to Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16, with their journey ending at the same stage the following season.
What Led Gerrard Leave Rangers?
Aston Villa came calling in November 2021, paying £4.5m in fees.
He left Rangers with a lead ahead of Celtic at the top of the standings – but their city rivals would claw that back to prevail by the identical gap.
The lure of the Premier League is strong and it may have been viewed as the natural progression on a dream comeback to Liverpool at a point when his managerial stock was high.
“Steven and his coaching team have ensured that the team 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 advance the club, to modernise our facilities and to return the team to winning ways.”
What Was Gerrard's Record at Villa & Al-Ettifaq?
Gerrard did not last a year at Villa Park.
Inconsistent performances yielded a mid-table position at the end of the 2021-22 campaign before a 3-0 loss at Craven Cottage placed them in 17th in October 2022 when he was dismissed.
During 2022, he secured only eight of his 31 games, losing 15.
He moved to the Middle East in July 2023 when he assumed control at the Saudi club.
His most recent role lasted 18 months and he departed with the club sitting 12th in the Saudi league, just five points above the relegation zone.
“Overall, I have learned a lot, and it's been a positive experience for me and for my family,” he remarked in late January. “But soccer is uncertain, and at times events don't unfold the way we hope.”
These post-Ibrox experiences could cause certain pause for thought and the man himself might harbor doubts over inheriting a struggling squad, but Gerrard probably has the personality to manage such a prominent post.
He is the sole Rangers boss to have lifted the league trophy since the legendary Walter Smith. That experience could be hard to ignore for an pressured Ibrox board.
