Which Lessons Can We Learn from Steven Gerrard's Tenure as Rangers Head Coach?

Steven Gerrard with the Scottish Premiership trophy in May 2021
Steven Gerrard holding the league trophy in May 2021

The former Liverpool captain is at the center of conversation since Rangers parted ways with Russell Martin on Sunday, and the former manager is set to talk about a possible comeback with the team's owners.

Those in charge at Ibrox have stated that a "comprehensive, thoughtful recruitment process" is now in progress.

Other candidates will be considered, but if ex Liverpool and England skipper is open to a return spell at the club, could the position essentially his?

The mid-forties coach has recently spoken about “remaining goals” in coaching and revealed he has begun contacting prospective members for his backroom team.

In a latest podcast discussion with Rio Ferdinand, appearing to be filmed prior to Martin's short reign ended, Gerrard expressed he desired “to be at a team that's set to compete to win because I believe that suits me more”.

He continued: “If the suitable offer arrives, the appropriate team, the correct opportunity, and I've got my people set, which I will have at some point, I'll accept that role because it's part of my nature.”

Gerrard's Record at Rangers in His First Stint

After gaining experience as a youth development manager at Liverpool, Gerrard accepted his first managerial role in the mid-year of 2018.

Over three complete seasons at Rangers, he secured only a single title – but it was a big one.

After finishing 13 and nine points behind their rivals in his first two campaigns, Gerrard guided Rangers to their maiden premiership title in a decade, which just happened to deny their Old Firm rivals an historic 10-in-a-row title.

And he achieved it impressively, with his team undefeated throughout.

Rangers triumphed in all of their home games, netted 92 goals and allowed a only 13.

The downside was that it occurred amid of the pandemic and empty stadiums.

It continues to be Rangers' sole title success since the 2010-11 season.

What Was Gerrard's Derby Record Perform?

In sharp difference to Martin's disappointing experience, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, going 12 games unbeaten until his initial trip to Celtic Park.

In his debut season the Old Firm honours were shared, each side securing two home wins, with Rangers having previously defeated Celtic in 2012.

Two losses to Celtic came in the next truncated season, followed by Rangers winning in the east end of Glasgow for the initial occasion since 2010.

From then on, Gerrard remained unbeaten in derbies, winning five additional and drawing once.

Rangers progressed through four rounds of qualifying to enter the group stage of the Europa League in Gerrard's debut season.

In 2019-20, they advanced to the elimination stage of the identical tournament, being eliminated to Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16, with their run ending at the same stage the following season.

What Led Gerrard Leave Rangers?

Aston Villa came calling in late 2021, paying £4.5m in compensation.

He left Rangers with a lead clear of Celtic at the summit of the standings – but their local opponents would recover to win by the identical gap.

The attraction of the Premier League is strong and it may have been seen as the natural progression on a fairytale comeback to Liverpool at a point when his managerial stock was high.

“Steven and his coaching team have ensured that the club is clearly in a better place today than it was several seasons ago,” commented then Rangers football executive Ross Wilson.

“We have shared a desire to advance the club, to update our infrastructure and to make the club win again.”

What Was Gerrard's Record at Aston Villa and in Saudi Arabia?

Gerrard did not last a year at Villa Park.

Up and down performances yielded a 14th-place position at the conclusion of season 2021-22 before a three-goal loss at Craven Cottage placed them in 17th in October 2022 when he was dismissed.

Across 2022, he secured only eight of his 31 games, suffering defeat in 15.

He moved to the Middle East in July 2023 when he assumed control at the Saudi club.

His latest role lasted a year and a half and he moved on with the team sitting 12th in the Saudi Pro League, only five points above the relegation zone.

“In summary, I have gained valuable experience, and it's been a positive journey for me and for my family,” he said in late January. “But football is uncertain, and at times things don't go the way we want.”

Those after Rangers experiences may give certain hesitation and the man himself might harbor doubts over inheriting a struggling squad, but Gerrard likely has the personality to handle such a high-profile post.

He is the only Rangers manager to have lifted the league trophy since the legendary Walter Smith. That experience could be hard to ignore for an under-pressure Ibrox board.

Laura Colon
Laura Colon

A passionate writer and cultural enthusiast, Evelyn shares her love for storytelling and exploration through vivid narratives.