Steven Gerrard: Rangers name former Liverpool captain as manager on four-year deal [Update Post #33]

[hadi123]

Steven Gerrard is on the verge of saying yes to Rangers.

MailSport understands the club’s hierarchy has held “very positive” talks with the Liverpool legend.

Now Gerrard is within touching distance of the Ibrox hotseat and ready to seal a sensational move.

The Rangers board are hopeful that – if final details can be ironed out – they’ll be able to unveil Gerrard within days.

The 37-year-old, currently in charge of Liverpool’s Under-18 side, was targeted by director of football Mark Allen to replace temporary boss Graeme Murty.

Allen has been encouraged by the Gerrard discussions and is now confident a deal can soon be struck.

We understand former Scotland international Gary McAlister has agreed to be assistant boss subject to dotting the Is and crossing the Ts.

Reds youth coach Tom Culshaw would complete the back-room team.

The Anfield icon has been mulling over Rangers’ offer and last night was nearing a decision to take over.

Gerrard retired from playing in 2016 after a career that yielded eight major trophies including the Champions League.

He has been working at Liverpool’s academy and, after turning down the manager’s job at MK Dons, is set to make Rangers his first managerial job.

He’ll be charged with closing the gap on Old Firm rivals Celtic and going head-to-head with his old boss Brendan Rodgers.

Despite a deal being close, it’s understood Gerrard WON’T be at Parkhead for today’s Old Firm clash.

Former Liverpool and Gers boss Graeme Souness has urged Gerrard to seize the chance to take over.

Souness was a rookie gaffer when he became boss at Ibrox in 1986.

And he said: “You go up there, get it half right and you’d be a god. Football is everything in Glasgow.

“If he’s got the chance, go for it son – you might never get a chance to take a job like that again.”

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport...ws/steven-gerrard-verge-rangers-deal-12447098

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Rangers are a joke club now. Struggling to see what Stevie G gains by going there. They are so far behind Celtic that it’s going to take 5-10 years imo to get back to challenging properly for the league. Dave King is also a bit of a meh owner who despite his promises pumps very little money into the club.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Never liked Stevie G so I will be delighted when he inevitably crashes and burns at Rangers.

 

[gkb101277867]

I'm a HUGE rangers fan and this is not what we need right now. We need an experienced manager who brings stability to our club and allows us to build something in order to stop Celtic doing ten in a row (this is a big deal in Scotland as both clubs have done 9 in a row before but not 10).

Only positive is that it brings worldwide attention to rangers and Scottish football....I mean this must be the first time I've seen my team mentioned on pakpassion!!!

Him vs brendan rodgers will be interesting next season

 

[Kroll]

Might be having second thoughts after the thrashing dished out in the derby today.

 

[gkb101277867]

Might be having second thoughts after the thrashing dished out in the derby today.

And that would be the only positive from today

 

[PakLFC]

It would be a good move for him. Klopp is going nowhere for at least the next four years. Steven needs to achieve something elsewhere before dreaming of ever being Liverpool boss. With only one team to defeat in Scotland it could be an ideal challenge for him.

 

[Markhor]

Not sure if Stevie is ready for it though you have to start somewhere.

Might be worth looking at the lower leagues in England first before going to a job where there's such scrutiny and expectation, especially given Celtic's dominance of Scottish football.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Rangers only want him because of his status and contacts. Many young player would play for a legend of the game and while Rangers are re-building to compete against Celtic again, it's a good move on their behalf.

As a LFC fan, I would prefer him to stay at Anfield and learn his trade with Klopp helping him but good luck to him if he does get the job.

 

[PakLFC]

I think Graeme Souness would be ideal for the Rangers job He has done it before and is free as well. Has experience as a manager as well even though other then Rangers he has always struggled everywhere else.

 

[gkb101277867]

I think Graeme Souness would be ideal for the Rangers job He has done it before and is free as well. Has experience as a manager as well even though other then Rangers he has always struggled everywhere else.

I don't like this comparison. Souness came to rangers in the late 80s when Scottish football was arguably stronger than English football. His first 2 signings were the England captain and and England goalkeeper lol. He had a lot of money to spend and that's not the case now.

It's just shocking how far Scottish football has slipped (no pun intended) in the last 20 years. It's unthinkable now that in those times some of the greatest players in the world would reject English clubs in order to come to rangers and Celtic. The likes of Brian laudrup, terry butcher, Chris woods etc. And who can forget when gazza (who was the national English hero at the time) rejected man united to sign for rangers. It's said that Sir Alex didn't speak to gazza for many years after that incident. Just imagine someone like harry kane (not quite an English hero but best example I can think of in England at the moment) rejecting man united in order to come to rangers. It's unfathomable.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I don't like this comparison. Souness came to rangers in the late 80s when Scottish football was arguably stronger than English football. His first 2 signings were the England captain and and England goalkeeper lol. He had a lot of money to spend and that's not the case now.

It's just shocking how far Scottish football has slipped (no pun intended) in the last 20 years. It's unthinkable now that in those times some of the greatest players in the world would reject English clubs in order to come to rangers and Celtic. The likes of Brian laudrup, terry butcher, Chris woods etc. And who can forget when gazza (who was the national English hero at the time) rejected man united to sign for rangers. It's said that Sir Alex didn't speak to gazza for many years after that incident. Just imagine someone like harry kane (not quite an English hero but best example I can think of in England at the moment) rejecting man united in order to come to rangers. It's unfathomable.

I dont think Scottish football has declined as a whole, it's just Rangers who were a big club but since their dodgy deals were humiliated and sent down the league. It was Souness who I believe took them to 9 in a row but yes this wont happen ever again.

Scottish football is more interesting for me now, Hearts, Aberdeen and Hibs are improving which is good for Scottish football. Gerrard or not I can't see Rangers winning the league any time soon.

 

[gkb101277867]

I dont think Scottish football has declined as a whole, it's just Rangers who were a big club but since their dodgy deals were humiliated and sent down the league. It was Souness who I believe took them to 9 in a row but yes this wont happen ever again.

Scottish football is more interesting for me now, Hearts, Aberdeen and Hibs are improving which is good for Scottish football. Gerrard or not I can't see Rangers winning the league any time soon.

Mate it's massively declined lol. Celtic were the first British club to win the champions league. Rangers were unlucky not to make the champions league final in 1992. Celtic can barely win a game in the champions league these days . Even within the last 15 years both teams have made it to the Uefa cup final (Europa league now).....but now they can barely make it into the knockout stages. It's declined MASSIVELY. Part of the reason is globalisation and tv money which is just ridiculous in England. The old firm can't even compete financially with the English championship clubs

 

[gkb101277867]

I dont think Scottish football has declined as a whole, it's just Rangers who were a big club but since their dodgy deals were humiliated and sent down the league. It was Souness who I believe took them to 9 in a row but yes this wont happen ever again.

Scottish football is more interesting for me now, Hearts, Aberdeen and Hibs are improving which is good for Scottish football. Gerrard or not I can't see Rangers winning the league any time soon.

But that doesn't mean they are not still absolutely MASSIVE clubs with global fanbases. The fan base and passion is still there and these clubs have supporters clubs all over the world. They are definitely in the top 5 of the biggest clubs in the UK for me. Just because clubs like Southampton or huddersfield have 10 times the transfer budget of the old firm doesn't make them even 20 percent as big as the old firm

 

[KingKhanWC]

Mate it's massively declined lol. Celtic were the first British club to win the champions league. Rangers were unlucky not to make the champions league final in 1992. Celtic can barely win a game in the champions league these days . Even within the last 15 years both teams have made it to the Uefa cup final (Europa league now).....but now they can barely make it into the knockout stages. It's declined MASSIVELY. Part of the reason is globalisation and tv money which is just ridiculous in England. The old firm can't even compete financially with the English championship clubs

I was referring to the Scottish premier league over all, it's better if there is more competition. Europe is a different kettle of fish, British teams used to dominate Europe with even the likes of Villa and Forest won the biggest prize in Europe in the 70's and 80's but now it a different ball game.

Of course for Rangers it wouldn't be nice if others if it became a 4/5 horse race instead of the usual 2 but for neutral fans its good to see.

 

[gkb101277867]

I was referring to the Scottish premier league over all, it's better if there is more competition. Europe is a different kettle of fish, British teams used to dominate Europe with even the likes of Villa and Forest won the biggest prize in Europe in the 70's and 80's but now it a different ball game.

Of course for Rangers it wouldn't be nice if others if it became a 4/5 horse race instead of the usual 2 but for neutral fans its good to see.

I agree with you about the competitiveness part. Obviously Celtic are miled ahead in Scotland but rangers, Aberdeen and hibs are in a battle at the moment. Rangers are third at the moment and very possibly could finish even lower

 

[KingKhanWC]

But that doesn't mean they are not still absolutely MASSIVE clubs with global fanbases. The fan base and passion is still there and these clubs have supporters clubs all over the world. They are definitely in the top 5 of the biggest clubs in the UK for me. Just because clubs like Southampton or huddersfield have 10 times the transfer budget of the old firm doesn't make them even 20 percent as big as the old firm

Global fan base im not to sure about unless you mean all the Scots who are still holidaying in Thailand and didn't bother to come back. I disagree they are not in the top 5 due to a few reasons including amount of wages paid, income and fanbase. Although imo Celtic have one of the best fan bases in the world, the atmosphere they create is second to none and Im sure Rangers arent too much behind in this regard.

Let me ask you, if Rangers and Celtic were in the English PL where would they have finished this season? I know Rangers are re-building.

 

[gkb101277867]

Global fan base im not to sure about unless you mean all the Scots who are still holidaying in Thailand and didn't bother to come back. I disagree they are not in the top 5 due to a few reasons including amount of wages paid, income and fanbase. Although imo Celtic have one of the best fan bases in the world, the atmosphere they create is second to none and Im sure Rangers arent too much behind in this regard.

Let me ask you, if Rangers and Celtic were in the English PL where would they have finished this season? I know Rangers are re-building.

I already admitted that financially the old firm can't even compete with English championship clubs. I'm basing the top 5 ranking on history, fanbase, passion etc etc. For me man u, the old firm and Liverpool are the best in terms of the UK in this regard. But we can agree to disagree on that.

Rangers and Celtic would be relegated and would finish bottom 100 percent. But if you put rangers and Celtic in the EPL they would become a top 4 team within a decade 100 percent for me. It's all about the finances and when the old firm get a piece of the millions down south every year they would become a top team eventually....and the English clubs know this too.

The old firm have tried on several occasions to join the English premier league but the English clubs have always voted against it for this very reason. It's funny how they allowed 2 Welsh teams (Cardiff and Swansea) to enter but blocked the old firm. The Welsh teams are not big clubs and are not a threat to the top English teams but the old firm would eventually be a big threat.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I already admitted that financially the old firm can't even compete with English championship clubs. I'm basing the top 5 ranking on history, fanbase, passion etc etc. For me man u, the old firm and Liverpool are the best in terms of the UK in this regard. But we can agree to disagree on that.

Rangers and Celtic would be relegated and would finish bottom 100 percent. But if you put rangers and Celtic in the EPL they would become a top 4 team within a decade 100 percent for me. It's all about the finances and when the old firm get a piece of the millions down south every year they would become a top team eventually....and the English clubs know this too.

The old firm have tried on several occasions to join the English premier league but the English clubs have always voted against it for this very reason. It's funny how they allowed 2 Welsh teams (Cardiff and Swansea) to enter but blocked the old firm. The Welsh teams are not big clubs and are not a threat to the top English teams but the old firm would eventually be a big threat.

I dont think Celtic would be relegated as it stands today but yes after spending a few seasons in England they would be a stable force in the PL. It's the T.V money which would increase massively for both clubs which will make them attractive clubs for the best players around and also players would rather prefer to play in England over Scotland. Will they be amongst the top 5? They will have to surpass one of Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs who are all massive clubs worldwide.

Yes some English clubs wont want them in the PL as it will take out two spaces for them in the top flight but also many Scottish teams dont want them to leave. Imagine the Scottish premier without Rangers and Celtic, the league would be ruined.

 

[PakLFC]

I don't like this comparison. Souness came to rangers in the late 80s when Scottish football was arguably stronger than English football. His first 2 signings were the England captain and and England goalkeeper lol. He had a lot of money to spend and that's not the case now.

It's just shocking how far Scottish football has slipped (no pun intended) in the last 20 years. It's unthinkable now that in those times some of the greatest players in the world would reject English clubs in order to come to rangers and Celtic. The likes of Brian laudrup, terry butcher, Chris woods etc. And who can forget when gazza (who was the national English hero at the time) rejected man united to sign for rangers. It's said that Sir Alex didn't speak to gazza for many years after that incident. Just imagine someone like harry kane (not quite an English hero but best example I can think of in England at the moment) rejecting man united in order to come to rangers. It's unfathomable.

Of course Scottish Footie has declined not that it was ever great in the first place. Having said that with GS being free and having managed Rangers before he would be a much better choice then Gerrard, what has he got to lose? Admittedly, Rangers can never attract the players they did during his first tenure nevertheless they should be able to compete with Celtic. Rangers can't afford a £10 million player now never mind the average going price today that is around £50 million. The point is appointing GS does know one any harm at all.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Stevie G has already cost Rodgers one league title, can he do it again will be the question everyone north of the border is asking?

 

[carbon11]

Don't agree with this move

I think stevie g should be looking at a club in the lower end of the championship or even league 1 to cut his teeth

As for rangers Celtic I totally believe they need to come into the English league system by being first placed in the championship and then most likely they will get promoted into premiership and then able to financially compete both clubs have massive potential but are being hindered in the current scenario , Celtic in EPL would be easily competing in top 4 after a few years their fan base is worldwide especially with the Irish catholic connection .

 

[gkb101277867]

Of course Scottish Footie has declined not that it was ever great in the first place. Having said that with GS being free and having managed Rangers before he would be a much better choice then Gerrard, what has he got to lose? Admittedly, Rangers can never attract the players they did during his first tenure nevertheless they should be able to compete with Celtic. Rangers can't afford a £10 million player now never mind the average going price today that is around £50 million. The point is appointing GS does know one any harm at all.

Mate Scottish football was second to none especially in the 70s, 80s and 90s. It started to decline in late 90s due to tv money etc.

Celtic were the first British team to win the champions league. Dundee united, Aberdeen and rangers are all teams who also won European cups. Hard to imagine that teams like dundee united and Aberdeen would regularly beat the likes of real Madrid and Barcelona in those days. It's unfathomable now

 

[gkb101277867]

Quick update: Steven Gerrard on BT sports today confirming that he has held "positive talks" with rangers and that further discussions will continue with the club on Thursday

 

[PakLFC]

Mate Scottish football was second to none especially in the 70s, 80s and 90s. It started to decline in late 90s due to tv money etc.

Celtic were the first British team to win the champions league. Dundee united, Aberdeen and rangers are all teams who also won European cups. Hard to imagine that teams like dundee united and Aberdeen would regularly beat the likes of real Madrid and Barcelona in those days. It's unfathomable now

Please!! If Scottish Football was that great then the national team would have at least qualified for the WC consistently. They were once okay in the 1970's and 1980's before big money came in. Back to the subject that Graeme Souness would be a better appointee then the inexperienced Steven Gerrard.

 

[Pakistanian]

I don't like this comparison. Souness came to rangers in the late 80s when Scottish football was arguably stronger than English football. His first 2 signings were the England captain and and England goalkeeper lol. He had a lot of money to spend and that's not the case now.

It's just shocking how far Scottish football has slipped (no pun intended) in the last 20 years. It's unthinkable now that in those times some of the greatest players in the world would reject English clubs in order to come to rangers and Celtic. The likes of Brian laudrup, terry butcher, Chris woods etc. And who can forget when gazza (who was the national English hero at the time) rejected man united to sign for rangers. It's said that Sir Alex didn't speak to gazza for many years after that incident. Just imagine someone like harry kane (not quite an English hero but best example I can think of in England at the moment) rejecting man united in order to come to rangers. It's unfathomable.

Perhaps Scottish independence could revive their football league.

 

[gkb101277867]

Please!! If Scottish Football was that great then the national team would have at least qualified for the WC consistently. They were once okay in the 1970's and 1980's before big money came in. Back to the subject that Graeme Souness would be a better appointee then the inexperienced Steven Gerrard.

Actually they were that great. They qualified for 6 out of the 7 world cup tournaments between 1974 and 1998. Scottish football declined in the late 90s/early 2000s just like I said before and since then we haven't qualified for a major tournament again

 

[PakLFC]

Actually they were that great. They qualified for 6 out of the 7 world cup tournaments between 1974 and 1998. Scottish football declined in the late 90s/early 2000s just like I said before and since then we haven't qualified for a major tournament again

Never mind what happened 30 years back instead live in the present. No one cares about Scottish Football anymore. Even at it''s best the Scottish national side never qualified for the second round of the WC that is how good they were! Back to the subject here that us Rangers. Stevie will be a decent choice by Souy if available would be my preference.

 

[gkb101277867]

Never mind what happened 30 years back instead live in the present. No one cares about Scottish Football anymore. Even at it''s best the Scottish national side never qualified for the second round of the WC that is how good they were! Back to the subject here that us Rangers. Stevie will be a decent choice by Souy if available would be my preference.

No one is living in the past. The decline of Scottish football was being discussed and you said they were never any good in the first place. I simply pointed out that they were. Multiple champions league/European cups won by at least 4 different Scottish teams as well as regularly qualifying in the world cup. Can't be that bad!!! Of course now is a different story...

 

[PakLFC]

No one is living in the past. The decline of Scottish football was being discussed and you said they were never any good in the first place. I simply pointed out that they were. Multiple champions league/European cups won by at least 4 different Scottish teams as well as regularly qualifying in the world cup. Can't be that bad!!! Of course now is a different story...

You are indeed talking of past times when Scottish teams were doing decently in European competition. You first mentioned the likes of Aberdeen and Celtic when they won some European competitions. What I am telling you is it doesn't matter today. The discussion here here on Stevie G being Rangers possible next manager.

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Almost impossible job. No money and fan base that still think they should be challenging Celtic. Th first task would be to have a big clear out and start afresh with young squad. Will the rangers fans remain patient?

 

[Markhor]

Wow its actually happened. Rangers as a club and their fans aren't my cup of tea but all the best Stevie.

 

[hadi123]

Steven Gerrard has been appointed as Rangers manager on a four-year deal.

The former Liverpool midfielder, 37, replaces Graeme Murty, who was placed in interim charge following the October sacking of Pedro Caixinha.

Gerrard, who leaves his role as a youth coach at Anfield to take up the Rangers job this summer, captained the Reds and England.

"I am honoured to become the next manager of Rangers," Gerrard told Rangers' website.

"I have enormous respect for this football club, and its history and tradition. I can't wait to start this new journey at Rangers as we look to build on the many successes that this club has achieved."

The club say Gerrard's backroom staff "will be announced in due course".

Gerrard made 710 appearances and won nine trophies for Liverpool over 19 years and was capped 114 times by England. He captained the national team at three of the six major tournaments at which he played and was Reds skipper for almost 12 years.

He retired in 2016 after a spell with LA Galaxy and joined the youth set-up at Anfield after rejecting an offer to become manager of MK Dons.

Rangers chairman Dave King said: "From the very beginning, talks have been extremely positive and we believe that Steven is the right man to drive Rangers forward.

"He was extremely impressive throughout our negotiations and we are convinced that he has the necessary knowledge and temperament to lead the club to the success we all desire.

"This a special day for our club, our fans and for Steven."

Murty, having had six games in charge following Mark Warburton's departure last season, returned to managing the Rangers team on an interim basis earlier this term. By December the 43-year-old was put in formal charge for the rest of the campaign after the club's unsuccessful approach for Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes.

The former Scotland and Reading defender won 18 of his 29 games in charge this season and lost eight before being relieved of the manager's duties on Tuesday.

His assistant Jimmy Nicholl and coach Jonatan Johansson were put in charge of the first team for Rangers' final fixtures of the season against Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Saturday, Aberdeen away on Tuesday and Hibernian away next Sunday.

The Dons lead Rangers and Hibs by three points as all three sides compete to finish the season as runners-up to Premiership champions Celtic, managed by Gerrard's former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

And Rangers director of football Mark Allen said Gerrard "fully understands the demands that come with managing a club of this stature".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43942680

 

[Bewal Express]

For him its a good move as he can only improve Rangers as they are comparatively so poor but surely there are better candidates out there.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Wow its actually happened. Rangers as a club and their fans aren't my cup of tea but all the best Stevie.

Rangers are a basket case club at the moment with the opposite values to Liverpool, just listen to the crap their fans sing about in the stands - really surprised he's going there.

 

[James]

4 year deal seems a bit excessive for his first job?

 

[Kroll]

I think Graeme Souness would be ideal for the Rangers job He has done it before and is free as well. Has experience as a manager as well even though other then Rangers he has always struggled everywhere else.

Unfortunately, wouldn't have the money David Murray was pumping in last time around.

I dont think Scottish football has declined as a whole, it's just Rangers who were a big club but since their dodgy deals were humiliated and sent down the league. It was Souness who I believe took them to 9 in a row but yes this wont happen ever again.

Scottish football is more interesting for me now, Hearts, Aberdeen and Hibs are improving which is good for Scottish football. Gerrard or not I can't see Rangers winning the league any time soon.

Celtic already on 7 in a row, and unless Rangers do something in the next couple of years, the record will be broken. It will be at the back of the mind at the club and every Rangers fan that this must be stopped at all costs (both Rangers and Celtic have achieved 9 in a row).

4 year deal seems a bit excessive for his first job?

Must have felt they needed to provide that level of security to entice Stevie lad.

 

[gkb101277867]

Was at ibrox today for the unveiling. Must have been about 10 thousand fans there to welcome him. Welcome to Rangers steven!!! We Are The People!!!

 

[PakLFC]

Was at ibrox today for the unveiling. Must have been about 10 thousand fans there to welcome him. Welcome to Rangers steven!!! We Are The People!!!

Now that he is here it should be interesting so see who he signs. Are others not people as well??

 

[Hasan123]

Good luck to him. Will be interested to see how he does.

 

[Firebat]

Steven Gerrard: Rangers manager edging towards club European record



Rangers have reached the last 32 of the Europa League for the second successive season and manager Steven Gerrard's European stats continue to impress.

It was his 22nd European win in his third campaign as manager - equalling the mark set by Ibrox predecessor Dick Advocaat and one short of Walter Smith's tally.

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55268491