Rangers engaged in productive discussions with Steven Gerrard over Thursday and Friday regarding his potential return as head coach. However, reports indicate that Gerrard has opted not to resume his role at the club, as he believes that the timing is not appropriate for such a comeback. According to Sky Sports News, he has decided to withdraw from the recruitment process aimed at finding a successor for Russell Martin, leaving the club’s management to explore other candidates for the position.
The conversations held between Gerrard and the Rangers management were reported to be positive and open. Both parties shared their viewpoints and aspirations, fostering an environment conducive to honest dialogue. Ultimately, Gerrard concluded that he did not wish to continue pursuing the option of returning to manage the team at this moment. Notably, he expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support he has received from the Rangers fans and conveyed his best wishes for the team as it embarks on the upcoming season.
During his previous tenure with Rangers, Gerrard achieved remarkable successes, including leading the club to win the Scottish Premiership in 2021—an accomplishment that firmly established his legacy within the club’s storied history. After this successful stint, he accepted a managerial position at Aston Villa, but his time there was relatively short-lived, culminating in his dismissal after less than a year in charge. Following this, he took on a role as head coach for Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq, remaining there for a year and a half before departing in January.
As Rangers continue their search for a new head coach, one prominent candidate that has emerged is Danny Rohl, the former manager of Sheffield Wednesday. Rohl has made a strong impression on Rangers’ management during recent discussions, indicating that he could be a viable option for the vacancy. After leaving Sheffield Wednesday in July, Rohl has been seeking new opportunities, and Rangers had previously shown interest in him during the summer prior to appointing Martin.
In addition to Rohl, the club has considered other potential candidates for the coaching position. Names such as former West Ham manager Graham Potter and ex-Wolves boss Gary O’Neil have been discussed, although current reports suggest that neither is actively being pursued at this time. Moreover, discussions have also included Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and Ralph Hasenhuttl, the ex-manager of Southampton, both of whom have been linked to the Ibrox role, though it remains unclear if they will make it onto any final shortlist.
The leadership at Rangers, including chairman Andrew Cavenagh—who orchestrated the recent US takeover of the club—and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe, have been diligent in their discussions with various coaching candidates. During these negotiations, they are joined by key figures such as Gretar Steinsson, the technical director of 49ers Enterprises, as well as Gers CEO Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell, all working towards finding the right candidate to lead the team.
The recent departure of Russell Martin, who was let go after just 123 days in the role following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Falkirk, has placed Rangers in a challenging position in the league standings. Currently, the club finds itself in eighth place in the Scottish Premiership, trailing league leaders Hearts by 11 points and being nine points behind city rivals Celtic.
As the club looks ahead, they are set to return to action next Saturday with a crucial fixture against Dundee United at Ibrox. This match will not only be essential for the team’s league positioning but will also serve as an opportunity for a new manager, should one be appointed by then, to make an immediate impact and begin steering the club back towards success. The urgency in finding a head coach will be paramount as Rangers aim to improve their performance and restore their stature in Scottish football.
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