Steven Gerrard turns down Rangers return as search for new manager continues
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has ruled himself out of contention to become Rangers next manager after holding discussions with the club’s hierarchy this week, concluding that the timing was not right for a return to Ibrox.
The 45-year-old, who guided Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade during his first spell at the club, met with representatives of the Glasgow side in London on Thursday and Friday to discuss the prospect of replacing Russell Martin.
Sources close to the talks say the conversations were “positive” and amicable, but Gerrard ultimately decided against taking the job at this stage of his career. The door, however, remains open for a future reunion.
Gerrard’s decision leaves Rangers new ownership group led by US-based chairman Andrew Cavanagh continuing their search for a head coach following Russell Martin’s dismissal on Sunday. The club sit eighth in the Scottish Premiership, having won just once in seven league matches this season.
Russell Martin’s brief and turbulent 123-day tenure ended after a 1-1 draw at Falkirk before the international break, with fan unrest escalating to the point that the former Southampton boss required a police escort from the ground. Rangers have struggled under his management, falling 11 points behind leaders Hearts and exiting the Champions League after a 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge.
Gerrard, who managed Rangers between 2018 and 2021, delivered one of the most successful seasons in the club’s modern history by going unbeaten on the way to winning the 2020–21 title. His achievements at Ibrox made him the immediate favourite to take charge again following Martin’s sacking.
However, despite mutual respect and what one source described as a “constructive dialogue”, Gerrard opted to withdraw from the process on Saturday.
The former Liverpool and England captain has been out of work since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq earlier this year, following a difficult spell in the Middle East after his brief stint with Aston Villa. He recently spoke of his ambition to return to management, telling Rio Ferdinand’s “Rio Meets” podcast:
“There’s a part of me that still feels that there’s a bit of unfinished business in terms of wanting to go in and face another couple of exciting challenges.
But I want a certain type of challenge. If in an ideal world they come available, I’ll jump at them.”
Gerrard had been among several candidates considered by Rangers’ hierarchy, who are eager to stabilise the club after a chaotic start to the season. Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Röhl is also understood to have impressed during discussions and remains in the frame for the role.
Röhl, 35, guided Wednesday to Championship survival last season before departing in July. He was previously approached by Rangers in the summer prior to Martin’s appointment and is thought to remain highly regarded by decision-makers at Ibrox.
For Gerrard, though, a second act in Glasgow will have to wait. While both parties are understood to remain on good terms, his focus now appears to be on identifying the right project one that aligns with his belief that he is “at [his] best” when competing for major honours.
“I want to be at a team that’s going to compete to win because I think that suits me better,” Gerrard said.
For Rangers, the search goes on with their next fixture, at home to Dundee United next Saturday, looming large as the club looks to steady itself amid yet another period of managerial transition.
