What Lessons Can We Learn from Steven Gerrard's Time as Glasgow Rangers Manager?

Steven Gerrard with the Scottish Premiership trophy in May 2021
Steven Gerrard lifting the league trophy in spring 2021

Steven Gerrard has been in the spotlight of conversation after Rangers parted ways with Russell Martin on Sunday, while the ex-coach is set to discuss a possible comeback with the team's leadership.

The decision-makers at Rangers have stated that a "thorough, considered recruitment process" is now in progress.

Other candidates are set to be considered, but if ex Liverpool and England captain is willing to a second stint at Ibrox, could the position as good as his?

The 45-year-old coach lately spoken about “unfinished business” in management and disclosed he has started contacting potential staff for his backroom team.

In a latest podcast interview with Rio Ferdinand, appearing to be recorded prior to Martin's short reign ended, Gerrard expressed he desired “to be at a team that's set to challenge to win because I think that fits me more”.

He continued: “If the suitable offer arrives, the right club, the right challenge, and I've assembled my staff, which I will have at some point, I'll take that challenge on because it's part of my nature.”

Gerrard's Record at Rangers in His First Stint

After gaining knowledge as a academy coach at Anfield, Gerrard took on his first managerial role in the mid-year of 2018.

During three full seasons at Rangers, he won only a single title – but it was a big one.

After finishing nine and 13 points behind their rivals in his first two campaigns, Gerrard led Rangers to their first top-flight championship in a ten years, which just happened to prevent their Glasgow rivals an unprecedented tenth consecutive 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 mere 13.

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

It continues to be Rangers' only league triumph since 2010-11.

What Was Gerrard's Derby Record Look?

In stark contrast to Martin's disappointing experience, Gerrard hit the ground running at Rangers, going 12 games without defeat until his first visit to Celtic Park.

In his debut campaign the Old Firm honours were even, each side earning two domestic victories, with Rangers having last beaten Celtic in 2012.

A pair of defeats to Celtic occurred in the following truncated season, followed by Rangers winning in the east end of Glasgow for the initial occasion since 2010.

After that, Gerrard stayed undefeated in Old Firm clashes, claiming five additional and drawing once.

Rangers progressed through four rounds of preliminaries to reach the main phase of the Europa League in Gerrard's debut season.

In 2019-20, they advanced to the knockout rounds of the identical competition, being eliminated to the German side in the last 16, with their journey concluding at the identical round the following season.

Why Did Gerrard Depart Rangers?

Aston Villa made an approach in late 2021, paying ÂŁ4.5m in compensation.

He left Rangers four points ahead of Celtic at the summit of the table – however their local opponents would recover to win by the same margin.

The attraction of the Premier League is strong and it could have been seen as the natural progression on a fairytale return to Liverpool at a time when his managerial stock was at its peak.

“Steven and his backroom staff have made sure that the club is undoubtedly in a stronger position today than it was several seasons ago,” commented then Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson.

“We have had a goal to move Rangers forward, to update our facilities and to return the team to winning ways.”

What Was Gerrard's Record at Villa & Al-Ettifaq?

Gerrard failed to complete a full season at Aston Villa.

Up and down performances yielded a mid-table finish at the conclusion of season 2021-22 before a three-goal defeat at Craven Cottage placed them 17th in autumn 2022 when he was sacked.

Across 2022, he secured only eight of his 31 games, losing 15.

He transferred to the Middle East in July 2023 when he took over at Al-Ettifaq.

His latest job continued for 18 months and he moved on with the club sitting in 12th in the Saudi league, just five points clear of the drop zone.

“In summary, I have learned a lot, and it's been a positive journey personally and for my loved ones,” he remarked in late January. “But soccer is uncertain, and sometimes things don't go the way we want.”

These after Rangers exploits could cause some hesitation and the individual might harbor doubts over inheriting a struggling team, but Gerrard probably has the personality to handle such a high-profile position.

He is the only Rangers boss to have won the championship since the legendary Walter Smith. That achievement could be difficult to overlook for an under-pressure Ibrox board.

John Giles
John Giles

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup consulting.