‘Dave King has pulled off a blinder’ – Exclusive: Rangers hailed after ‘Sensational’ deal agreed
Rangers chairman Dave King has been hailed for persuading Steven Gerrard to commit to a new contract.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-Aberdeen and Leeds United striker Noel Whelan explained why King deserves enormous credit for keeping hold of the manager.
Rangers announced last week that Gerrard has signed a two-year extension which will keep him at Ibrox until the summer of 2024.
It came less than 24 hours after Gerrard had steered his side into the Europa League knockout stages for the first time in nine years.
The Liverpool icon, 39, explained how King had first approached him about a new deal and Whelan believes the outgoing chairman has been very shrewd.
“King and the Rangers board have pulled off a blinder,” Whelan told Football Insider. “Stevie G has worked wonders and tying him down is a sensational piece of business, especially when big Premier League clubs are looking for managers.
“He has taken Rangers so far forward that the gap between them and Celtic is how minimal.
“He’s helped make Scottish football so much more interesting because the two giants are now set to fight all the way for the title this season.
“Gerrard has taken to management just like he did to playing. He comes across fantastically well, professional, smart and clearly knows how to get the best out of his players.”
Gerrard took over at Rangers in May of last year and has overseen a major revival, although the team have yet to end their trophy drought.
His team dominated the recent Scottish League Cup final but failed to seize a host of opportunities and a Fraser Forster masterclass helped a dogged Celtic side secure a 1-0 win and a 10th consecutive domestic trophy.
In other Rangers news, it can be REVEALED that the club have opened preliminary talks on signing Premier League player in January.