Steven Gerrard (2018 to 2021)
When Rangers returned to the top flight in 2016 it was clear that the existing financial disparity would take years to ‘neutralise’. The Club were playing catch up in every area (both on and off the field) and patience was required. However, with bitter rivals Celtic racking up titles at a canter during our enforced absence, any patience or goodwill towards the owners would start 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, 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 the Club turned to a former Liverpool midfielder, 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 Graeme Souness 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 all purchased 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 excelled in Europe this time progressing to the last 16. However, the title challenge had inexplicably 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 was 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 Steven's departure to Aston Villa in November 2021 left a sour taste in much of the Rangers support but that title success will ensure history is kind to Gerrard.
by Rick Plews
Steven Gerrard (2018 to 2021)
When Rangers returned to the top flight in 2016 it was clear that the existing financial disparity would take years to ‘neutralise’. The Club were playing catch up in every area (both on and off the field) and patience was required. However, with bitter rivals Celtic racking up titles at a canter during our enforced absence, any patience or goodwill towards the owners would start 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, 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 the Club turned to a former Liverpool midfielder, 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 Graeme Souness 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 all purchased 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 excelled in Europe this time progressing to the last 16. However, the title challenge had inexplicably 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 was 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 Steven's departure to Aston Villa in November 2021 left a sour taste in much of the Rangers support but that title success will ensure history is kind to Gerrard.
by Rick Plews
