Steven Gerrard (2018 to 2021)
When Rangers returned to the top flight in 2016 it soon became clear that the existing financial disparity would take years to ‘neutralise’. The Club were playing catch up in every sense (both on and off the field) and patience was required. However, with bitter rivals Celtic racking up titles at a canter during an enforced absence from the top flight, that patience or goodwill towards the owners would quickly begin to diminish as the likelihood of Celtic surpassing the record of 9 successive Championships increased.
Having suffered two humiliating defeats from Celtic in the space of a fortnight towards the end of season 2017/18, the prospect of ending that dominance seemed as far away as ever as April drew to a close. It was going to take something spectacular to get the Club back on track.
That game changing moment arrived weeks later when, on 4th May 2018, Rangers proudly announced the appointment of Steven Gerrard as manager. Just as they had done in 1986 with Graeme Souness, the Club turned to a former Liverpool captain, another who had achieved legendary status at Anfield. The similarities were plain to see.
Whilst unable to provide Gerrard with the same level of financial backing as Souness had enjoyed, Steven was able to freshen up the squad through a mixture of free transfers and loan signings. Money was made available and Connor Goldson, Nikola Katic and Borna Barisic were all acquired to strengthen a defence which conceded 5 goals to Hibernian on the final day of the previous campaign.
Although there was no silverware during Gerrard’s first season in charge, there could be no disputing the progress made. Despite having to negotiate 8 qualifying matches, Rangers progressed to the Group stages of the Europa League and proved to be more than competitive against opponents such as Villarreal and Rapid Vienna. If Gerrard had been frustrated at his side showing too much respect to Celtic during the first Old Firm clash, he was overjoyed when Ryan Jack’s goal in the next meeting secured a Rangers victory at Ibrox. Despite a dip in form after the winter break, Rangers finished the season strongly and there was another derby day triumph.
Hopes were high at the start of season 2019/20, the squad was becoming stronger with every passing transfer window and the bar was constantly raised. The side again outperformed in the Europa League this time progressing to the last 16. However, the title challenge had once again evaporated after the winter break and the disappointment of exiting the Scottish Cup at Tynecastle appeared to have Gerrard questioning his own future. The global pandemic would result in an abrupt end to the season, Celtic remarkably gifted their ninth successive title despite some 8 games still to play.
The significance of season 2020/21 was colossal and Rangers were not found wanting. An opening day victory at Pittodrie would get the campaign off to a flyer and Gerrard’s side never looked back. Undefeated throughout the 38 league fixtures (played behind closed doors), the title was secured by March and Celtic’s dream was crushed. Gerrard had delivered the one trophy that was non-negotiable. The frustration of not achieving more silverware was an irritation but after a decade in the wilderness, the fans took to the streets in their tens of thousands to celebrate the ‘big one’. Glasgow was ‘Blue’ and Steven had achieved hero status. A 55th title had been secured and credibility firmly restored within Europe.
The timing of Gerrard's exit, and those of his backroom staff, to Aston Villa in November 2021 left more than a bad taste for Rangers supporters, but that lone title success will ensure history is kind to Steven. The fact it was not the start of something longer lasting was a missed opportunity, the side undoubtedly regressing domestically in the years that followed. The lure of Villa was understandable, a successful spell there could potentially have been the next stepping stone in eventually landing his dream job at Liverpool. Nobody within Ibrox would have grudged Steven that opportunity. It seemed unlikely he would receive that call further down the line had he not already demonstrated that he could compete with the best coaches in England's Premier League. Off the field, he would be far closer to the family home, having lived in Glasgow alone. That said, leaving Rangers at such a stage in the season and having recently quashed any suggestion of an imminent departure felt like a massive betrayal the Gers support.
Rumours of a return for Gerrard surfaced in the summer of 2025 prior to the ultimate appointment of Russell Martin as head coach. Although out of work following a spell managing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ettifaq, Gerrard's situation remained massively complex in terms of a return to the UK, for both tax and family reasons. Eventually, he appeared to rule himself out of the equation.
Following the sacking of Russell Martin in October 2025, Gerrard immediately emerged as the front runner for a sensational return to Ibrox. The ill feeling within the Rangers support caused by Steven's abrupt departure four years earlier had, in the main, subsided and a potential second spell sat relatively well with the majority of a hugely disgruntled support. Having met with owners Andrew Cavanagh and Paraag Marathe on a flying visit to London, speculation was rife that an announcement was imminent. That announcement was somewhat different to expectation, Gerrard publicly removing himself from consideration citing 'timing' issues. Many believed that the continued (and unpopular) presence of Patrick Stewart and Kelvin Thelwell was the most likely barrier.
Whilst Rangers focused their attention elsewhere, few would bet against Gerrard returning to Ibrox at some stage. There does appear to be a feeling of unfinished business.
by Rick Plews
