Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media

Ciaran Morrison

Fri 10 October 2025 16:30, UK

Steven Gerrard could make a stunning return to Rangers and change the fortunes of the club around following the tenure of Russell Martin.

Football Insider exclusively revealed Gerrard has been in “positive” talks with Rangers for the former Aston Villa manager to return for a second spell at Ibrox.

Gerrard won the Scottish Premiership title during his time at Rangers, and the club have been unable to topple Celtic at the top of the table since.

Martin was sacked at Rangers after 123 days in charge, leaving his successor with the club eighth in the league table, and without a win in the Europa League.

Rangers could make shock title charge, claims former Gers striker

Rangers are already 11 points behind leaders Hearts, and nine points behind Celtic in the race for the league title.

Hearts’ 2-0 win at Rangers, and Celtic’s 0-0 draw at Ibrox means the pair have already made one trip to the west side of Glasgow.

However, as per the Daily Record, [10 October], former Gers striker Kyle Lafferty believes Gerrard returning to the club could spur an unlikely title charge.

“If Steven comes in, I wouldn’t rule out him getting the team to hit the ground running,” Lafferty said.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets them up there challenging again and fighting for the title this season.

“Seriously, I wouldn’t be shocked if he won it. He’ll come in expecting to win it. He won’t settle for second place.

“He won’t be thinking, let’s close the gap on Celtic and Hearts and maybe finish a few points off.

“I know him and I’ve played under him. He’ll literally come in and think he can win the league this season.

“That’s the type of person he is. He’s full of confidence and belief in his own ability. And that’s what the fans want.

“No manager is going to come in and say they can’t win the title. But making that change now will be a massive lift for everyone at Rangers on and off the pitch.

“Especially knowing that he’s coming to win the title in his first season. Not to get closer to Celtic or Hearts, but to go and win it.”

Gerrard will have a massive task on his hands returning the title to Ibrox following years of dominating from their rivals Celtic.

When do Rangers play their title rivals?

Winning the title from Rangers’ current position is not impossible, but any charge will hinge on their matches against Hearts and Celtic.

Rangers would meet the pair once more after the split, meaning they will play each other three more times before the season finishes.

The clashes come close together across Christmas and New Year and in February, periods which could define Rangers’ season.

Hearts may not be in the title race come February, but any match against the Edinburgh side would still prove to be one of Rangers’ toughest tests.