‘There is a risk’ – Johnstone makes admission about Gerrard with Rangers deal reportedly close
Former Rangers striker Derek Johnstone thinks Steven Gerrard’s impending appointment as Gers manager is a “really exciting move” for the club – and admits he “can’t wait” to see what happens.
The 37-year-old Liverpool icon is expected to be confirmed as the Ibrox giants’ new manager on Friday, with the Daily Record reporting Gerrard has agreed a three-year deal.
Johnstone thinks the arrival of the former Liverpool and LA Galaxy star is a “huge boost” for the Scottish Premiership’s profile – but admits there “is a risk involved” in appointing the rookie manager.
“I think it is a really exciting move for the club, and for Scottish football,” Johnstone said, as quoted by the Evening Times.
“Yes, there is a risk involved in hiring a 37-year-old that has no managerial experience.
“But every appointment carries a risk and there are no surefire things.
“Gerrard is one of the biggest names in the game, not just in England, and his arrival is a huge boost to the Premiership’s profile.
“We don’t know how it is going to work out but it is certainly a bold move, for both parties, and I can’t wait to see what happens at Ibrox.”
Gerrard will likely watch his new side in action when they face Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Saturday in the Gers’ final home game of the season.
With back-to-back away games to finish off the campaign – away to Aberdeen and then Hibernian – the Light Blues need to win all three to make sure of finishing second in the Scottish Premiership.
Football Insider verdict
There can be little doubt that it is an incredibly exciting appointment and will bring some short-term interest to Scottish football. If the Gers are to capitalise on that then they will need to find some sort of prolonged success over the next few seasons. The 37-year-old certainly talks a good game but will now need to put that into practice. Despite some of the comments from English pundits, Gerrard is going to face scrutiny like he has never encountered and the pressure on him is going to be far beyond that at Anfield. He proved as a player he was capable of stepping up but, for his own sake, he needs to make sure he hits the ground running and gets off to the best possible start in the dugout at Ibrox. While his appointment is popular with fans at the moment, if he doesn’t get results on the park then he will quickly come under pressure – big name or now.
In other Rangers news, this centre-back wanted by the Gers and rivals Celtic is due to head to Glasgow with his deal expiring soon.
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