‘Steven Gerrard wanted back at Rangers after 49ers takeover’
Steven Gerrard would be the perfect manager to lead Rangers forward following their takeover, a former key Ibrox figure has admitted.
Patrick Stewart finally parted ways with Philippe Clement, who came under serious pressure towards the end of his tenure, especially after Rangers’ shock defeats to Queen’s Park and St Mirren.
Barry Ferguson has been chosen to take on the managerial duties until the end of the season, with the search for a permanent figure already underway.
Derek McInnes is one of the names emerging at Rangers, who has earned plenty of flowers since being appointed at Kilmarnock in 2022 and has previously been linked with a move to Ibrox.
Ibrox is about to undergo serious change over the next few months, with the San Francisco 49ers seemingly just weeks away from completing a Rangers takeover, which is being led by Leeds United’s Paraag Marathe.
One of their first actions could be hiring Gerrard as Ferguson’s successor.
Mark Hateley wants Steven Gerrard at Rangers
Speaking to the Daily Record with NewBettingSites.uk [25 February], Mark Hateley said: “I’m looking at the whole picture here with new ownership. I would have him back in a heartbeat. I worked well with him when I was working at the club, crossing between players and the commercial side.
“My job was in the football business and connecting the two. It can be a bit British, should we say, between the playing side and the commercial side. It’s not an easy partnership, shall we say? But we did that quite smoothly because Steven realised what is needed of players within the football club.”
Gerrard spent three rather successful years at Ibrox, stealing the Scottish Premiership trophy away from Old Firm rivals Celtic, before leaving for Aston Villa, and it has been difficult to find a replacement.
| Rangers managers since Steven Gerrard |
| Giovanni van Bronckhorst (November 2021-November 2022) |
| Michael Beale (November 2022-October 2023) |
| Steven Davis (October 2023-October 2023, interim) |
| Philippe Clement (October 2023-February 2025) |
Patrick Stewart faces difficult task at Ibrox
Football Insider verdict
There will be some supporters who would welcome Gerrard back with open arms, but his exit to Villa could make it harder for many to accept his return.
The majority of fans are likely to be thinking short-term right now, with the Light Blues still having the chance to lift silverware this season if they can progress in the Europa League.
Battling in European competition will certainly be at the forefront of the minds of those leading the takeover at Ibrox, and Gerrard helped lead the Gers to the Europa League semi-final during his tenure.
It remains to be seen how those inside Ibrox feel about a potential return for the Liverpool legend, but it could be an option once the takeover is completed and Ferguson’s interim spell is over.