‘Special’ manager to jet into London ahead of crunch talks with Rangers owners
Paraag Marathe and Andrew Cavenagh are stepping up their pursuit of Russell Martin’s replacement as Rangers manager.
Russell Martin was sacked by Rangers after just 123 days in charge, and there has been plenty of speculation around who could be the next figure to take on the daunting challenge at Ibrox.
After the decision was made last time to part ways with Philippe Clement, Barry Ferguson was hired on an interim basis, but fans instantly fell in love with his honesty and determination in the dugout.
Jose Mourinho was tipped for the Rangers job before Martin was appointed, a decision which went down like a lead balloon, and now Steven Gerrard is being linked with a dramatic return to Ibrox.
The 45-year-old’s reign in Saudi Arabia came to a quick end, parting ways with Al-Ettifaq following a number of poor results, but he has admitted to being open to another new role in management.
Steven Gerrard to open talks over Rangers job
According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph (Wednesday, 8 October), Gerrard is set to arrive in London tonight to hold talks over the vacant manager role at Ibrox in the next couple of days.
It is understood that the Liverpool legend is scheduled to meet Cavenagh and Marathe, who have taken the lead on the managerial search following the sacking of Martin.
Gerrard, who has been dubbed a “pretty special” manager before by Alex McLeish [Planet Football], could return to Ibrox after four years away. Fans will hope that he can bring some calm to Glasgow.
It is understood that multiple obstacles stand in the way of Gerrard’s Rangers return, but the hierarchy are likely to want to convince him that the current job is the right one for him to take.
What has Gerrard said about returning to management?
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand in a recent interview [Rio Ferdinand Presents], Gerrard said about having “unfinished business” in management, while also stating that he would only return under the right circumstances.
He also admitted to getting several interesting phone calls following his departure from Saudi Arabia, but it is clear that none of these opportunities matched what he was looking for at the time.
While some supporters have their doubts, Gerrard is generally a much-loved figure at Ibrox, having delivered the Scottish Premiership title in 2020-21, their first in 10 years.
The current situation at Ibrox would be a daunting prospect for any manager, so it remains to be seen if the Gers can persuade him that this is the right move for all parties.