What Lessons Should We Learn from Gerrard's Time as Glasgow Rangers Head Coach?

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

Steven Gerrard is at the center of discussion since Rangers dismissed Russell Martin on Sunday, and the former manager is set to discuss a possible comeback with the club's leadership.

Those in charge at Ibrox have stated that a "thorough, considered hiring process" is now in progress.

Additional names are set to be considered, but if the former Liverpool and England skipper is open to a return spell at Ibrox, could the position as good as his?

The 45-year-old coach has recently spoken about “unfinished business” in management and revealed he has started contacting prospective members for his backroom team.

In a latest podcast discussion with Rio Ferdinand, which seemed to be recorded prior to Martin's brief reign concluded, Gerrard expressed he desired “to be at a club that's set to challenge to win because I believe that suits me more”.

He continued: “If the right call comes my way, the right club, the correct opportunity, and I've assembled my staff, which I plan to have at some point, I'll accept that role because it's part of my nature.”

Performance at Rangers in His First Stint

Having acquired experience as a academy coach at Anfield, Gerrard accepted his first managerial role in the summer of 2018.

Over three full seasons at Ibrox, he won just one title – however it was a big one.

After finishing nine and 13 points behind their rivals in his first two seasons, Gerrard led Rangers to their first premiership title in a ten years, which coincidentally deny their Old Firm rivals an unprecedented 10-in-a-row title.

And he achieved it in style, with his team unbeaten in the process.

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

The drawback was that it came amid of Covid and empty stadiums.

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

How Did Gerrard's Derby Record Look?

In stark contrast to Martin's unhappy spell, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, remaining 12 games without defeat until his initial trip to Parkhead.

In his debut campaign the derby honours were shared, each side securing two home victories, with Rangers having previously defeated Celtic in 2012.

Two losses to Celtic came in the next shortened season, after which Rangers securing a victory in the east end of Glasgow for the initial occasion since 2010.

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

Rangers progressed through four stages of preliminaries to enter the group stage of the Europa League in Gerrard's first season.

In 2019-20, they advanced to the elimination stage of the identical tournament, losing out to the German side in the last 16, with their journey ending at the identical round the following season.

What Led Gerrard Depart Rangers?

The Birmingham club made an approach in November 2021, forking out £4.5m in compensation.

He left Rangers with a lead clear of Celtic at the summit of the table – however their local opponents would claw that back to win by the same margin.

The lure of the English top flight is powerful and it could have been seen as the natural progression on a dream return to Anfield at a time when his coaching reputation was at its peak.

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

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

How Did Gerrard's Record at Aston Villa and in Saudi Arabia?

Gerrard did not last a year at Aston Villa.

Up and down results yielded a mid-table position at the end of the 2021-22 campaign before a 3-0 defeat at Fulham placed them in 17th in autumn 2022 when he was dismissed.

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

He transferred to Saudi Arabia in July 2023 when he assumed control at the Saudi club.

His most recent job continued for a year and a half and he departed with the club placed 12th in the Saudi league, just five points clear of the drop zone.

“Overall, I have learned a lot, and it's been a positive experience for me and for my loved ones,” he said in the end of January. “But soccer is uncertain, and sometimes events don't unfold the way we hope.”

These after Rangers exploits could cause some hesitation and the individual might harbor doubts over inheriting a struggling squad, but Gerrard likely has the character to manage such a high-profile position.

He is the sole Rangers manager to have lifted the league trophy since the great Walter Smith. That experience could be hard to ignore for an pressured Rangers leadership.

Erik Middleton
Erik Middleton

A seasoned business strategist with over 15 years of experience in market analysis and corporate growth, passionate about sharing actionable insights.