Rangers next manager: Gerrard odds-on favourite after new Ibrox development
Steven Gerrard could be set for a sensational return to British football nearly three years after his Aston Villa exit.
The former Liverpool star won the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers in the 2020-21 season and was hired by the Villans on the back of that success.
The Villa Park outfit sacked the 44-year-old in October 2022 after winning just 13 of his 40 matches in charge in a miserable spell in the dugout.
However, he may be in line for a return to Ibrox after the latest development surrounding the future of interim manager Barry Ferguson.
Gerrard could return to Rangers after Ferguson’s woes continue
The Ibrox outfit laboured to another negative result at the weekend as they rescued a 2-2 draw against Aberdeen at the death through an Ianis Hagi strike.
That result has seen Ferguson’s chances of securing the role on a permanent basis decrease and Gerrard’s chances rise significantly since the last update.
The former England ace is now rated at odds of 1/2 with Bet 365, up from the 15/8 that he was back in early March.
Meanwhile, Ferguson has fallen to 12/1 to retain his post beyond the end of the current campaign.
Rangers return is risky for Gerrard
Despite his previous success at Auchenhowie, it is no guarantee that Gerrard could turn the Gers’ fortunes around this time, it is completely different circumstances to his remarkable first stint.
The Light Blues find themselves 15 points behind bitter arch-rivals Celtic and their squad is in need of a major rebuild if they are to get on level terms anytime soon.
| Gerrard roles (league) | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points per game |
| Rangers | 107 | 76 | 21 | 10 | 2.33 |
| Aston Villa | 38 | 12 | 8 | 18 | 1.16 |
| Al-Ettifaq | 51 | 17 | 16 | 18 | 1.31 |
Gerrard has struggled since leaving Govan, with underwhelming stints at Villa and Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ettifaq leaving a severe dent on his reputation.
The ex-Reds captain would have serious work to do to restore the Bears to their former glory, even with the impending 49ers takeover at Ibrox and there are now question marks over his managerial ability after two setbacks.
Whether he can answer the criticism and bounce back in a stunning return to the club where he enjoyed major success remains to be seen but he could also take over at Southampton.