Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard could make a return to Glasgow as Rangers manager, with some suggestions that he will bring Premier League-winning captain Jordan Henderson along with him as an assistant.
The 44-year-old has been absent from the managerial scene since his departure from Al-Ettifaq in January but is now tipped as the favorite for the role. Gerrard famously broke Celtic’s dominance of the Scottish Premiership in 2021, steering Rangers to a 55th championship title.
The Liverpool icon then seized the chance to manage in the Premier League with Aston Villa, where he had an 11-month tenure. After his exit from Villa Park, the ex-Reds midfielder made the contentious decision to move to Saudi Arabia and take up a managerial post in the Saudi Pro League.
Among his signings in the Middle East was former Liverpool skipper Henderson, who made the surprising switch to Al-Ettifaq for a fee of around $16 million (£12 million).
The Sunderland academy product spent only a few months in Saudi Arabia before returning to Europe to sign for Ajax. His stint in Amsterdam hasn’t been without its challenges, as he found himself in the spotlight during the winter transfer window due to interest from AS Monaco, causing a stir at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Last weekend, Ajax lost the league on the final day of the season to rivals PSV Eindhoven after having a nine-point lead a month ago. And talkSPORT has reported that Henderson will now leave the Eredivisie to join Gerrard at Ibrox.
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“Now we understand here this morning at talkSPORT that behind the scenes, the managerial situation is moving at a pace,” presenter Jim White said live on air.
“The interim manager Barry Ferguson will be leaving with thanks but back to the football club will come Steven Gerrard, former manager of the club — the man who won them the Scottish Premier League title.
“Alongside Gerrard, a hugely popular figure, Steven Davis, and alongside the two of them as an assistant to Gerrard and Davis, Jordan Henderson. He would also be an assistant in there as well.”
Danny Murphy, who shared a dressing room with Gerrard at Anfield, was alongside the Scot on the show and offered his immediate reaction. “I’m not surprised because for Rangers it’s kind of like an easy option,” he began.
“When did we last have success? Who brought it? Who was able to knock Celtic off their perch?’ And it was Stevie, wasn’t it?
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“He knows the club, he wouldn’t have spent too much time finding his feet. He knows the league because he was there for a few years, so I understand it.
“I think the fans will be on board with it, the lack of experience around him… he had Gary Mac (MacAllister) with him last time, which was important for him.
“There’s no guarantee for Rangers. Whoever they appoint, they’re going to have to do some really big business in the transfer market because the squad is inept compared to Celtic’s.
“They haven’t got the financial clout yet, the takeover hasn’t been completed by all accounts. It seems strange that the appointment has been made if they haven’t got through the door and signed on the dotted line.
“It does ring true with American owners. We’ve seen it at Birmingham with Wayne Rooney: they like big names.”
