Steven Gerrard Withdraws from Rangers Manager Job After Advanced Talks

Steven Gerrard has made the surprising decision to withdraw from contention for the Rangers manager position, despite reaching the advanced stages of negotiations with the Scottish club. The Liverpool legend pulled out of the race despite constructive discussions over the vacancy, with the former Ibrox boss deciding to remove himself from the running after talks with the current hierarchy. The development represents a significant setback for Rangers, who had viewed Gerrard as the ideal candidate to restore the club’s fortunes following the dismissal of Russell Martin earlier this week.

The Timeline of Steven Gerrard’s Rangers Talks

Talks between Rangers and Steven Gerrard had exceeded expectations, with sources indicating a strong mutual enthusiasm for his return. The 44-year-old former England captain had been in detailed discussions with the Ibrox hierarchy throughout the week, exploring the possibility of a sensational return to the club where he enjoyed his greatest success as a manager.

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers Negotiation Timeline:

The former Ibrox boss, who led Rangers to their last Premiership title in 2021, had been in talks with the current hierarchy to take over from Russell Martin. However, negotiations have come to an end after Gerrard decided to remove himself from the running. The decision leaves Rangers forced to reassess their options in what has become an increasingly urgent search for a new manager.

Why Steven Gerrard Said No to Rangers Return

The reasons behind Steven Gerrard’s withdrawal remain unclear, though sources suggest the decision followed what were described as constructive discussions. Gerrard has been a free agent since leaving Al-Ettifaq in January 2025, making his availability less complicated than if he were currently employed elsewhere.

Factors Behind Steven Gerrard’s Potential Considerations:

Gerrard’s recent career struggles may have influenced his thinking. After leaving Rangers for Aston Villa in November 2021, he was dismissed in October 2022. His subsequent spell with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia ended by mutual consent in January 2025 after a difficult 18-month period. The combination of these setbacks may have made him cautious about accepting another high-pressure role without optimal circumstances.

The news will come as a bitter blow to many Rangers supporters, who had pinned their hopes on Gerrard returning to Ibrox and resurrecting the club’s fortunes after Martin’s disastrous tenure.

Steven Gerrard’s Previous Rangers Success

To understand the significance of this decision, one must appreciate what Steven Gerrard achieved during his first spell at Rangers. Appointed in June 2018, he transformed a club that had been overshadowed by Celtic’s domestic dominance into Scottish champions.

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers Record (2018-2021):

In the 2020-21 season, Rangers won the Scottish Premiership title without losing a single league match, amassing 102 points and conceding only 13 goals across 38 matches. Rangers went through the league campaign unbeaten, winning 32 of 38 games while scoring 92 goals. This historic achievement ended Celtic’s quest for ten consecutive titles and represented Gerrard’s first league title as a manager.

The numbers tell the story of a manager who not only delivered silverware but did so with style and substance. Rangers’ defensive record during that title-winning campaign remains one of the most impressive in modern Scottish football history, while their unbeaten run captured the imagination of supporters.

Rangers’ Current Crisis and Why They Wanted Gerrard Back

Rangers’ decision to pursue Steven Gerrard stems from their deteriorating situation under Russell Martin. The former Southampton manager was sacked after just 123 days in charge following a 1-1 draw at Falkirk, making him the shortest-serving manager in Rangers’ history.

Rangers’ 2025-26 Season Performance Under Russell Martin:

The stark contrast between these statistics and Gerrard’s previous record makes clear why Rangers believed he represented the solution to their problems. Martin won just one of his seven league games in charge, leaving Rangers eighth in the Premiership table—a catastrophic position for a club of their stature.

Rangers have sacked their fourth manager in under three years, demonstrating the instability that has plagued the club since Gerrard’s departure. The revolving door includes Giovanni van Bronckhorst (sacked November 2022), Michael Beale (sacked October 2023), Philippe Clement (sacked February 2025), and now Russell Martin (sacked October 2025).

What This Means for Rangers’ Manager Search

Steven Gerrard will not be the next Rangers boss after withdrawing from the recruitment process. This development forces Rangers to pivot quickly to alternative candidates as they cannot afford a prolonged period without permanent leadership.

Rangers Manager Candidates Currently Under Consideration:

Rangers’ bosses have been impressed by Danny Rohl during talks, with club officials insisting a thorough process is taking place. The German coach has earned plaudits for his work at Sheffield Wednesday, demonstrating tactical intelligence and squad development skills that could translate to Rangers’ demands.

Derek McInnes represents experience and stability, though his appointment might lack the excitement factor many Rangers supporters crave after hoping for Gerrard’s return. Gary O’Neil and Frank Lampard offer Premier League credentials but come with questions about their recent performances.

The Emotional Connection Between Steven Gerrard and Rangers

Gerrard’s time at Rangers represented more than just professional success. He developed a genuine connection with the club, its supporters, and the city of Glasgow. His departure to Aston Villa in November 2021 was met with disappointment but understanding that he deserved an opportunity in the Premier League.

The affection between Gerrard and Rangers fans has never diminished. Many supporters viewed his potential return as a homecoming, believing he possesses unfinished business at Ibrox. His withdrawal from contention therefore represents not just a practical setback but an emotional disappointment for those who believed in a romantic reunion.

Gerrard has previously spoken about his time at Rangers with genuine warmth, describing the experience as transformative in his development as a manager. The relationships he built with players, staff, and supporters during his three-and-a-half-year tenure created bonds that transcend typical professional relationships.

Steven Gerrard’s Career Since Leaving Rangers

Understanding Gerrard’s decision requires examining his journey since departing Ibrox. His move to Aston Villa promised Premier League stability and the chance to work with a club possessing significant ambitions and resources.

Steven Gerrard Post-Rangers Career:

His tenure at Aston Villa disappointed, lasting less than a year before dismissal in October 2022 following poor results. The experience damaged his reputation after the success at Rangers, teaching harsh lessons about Premier League management’s demands.

His Al-Ettifaq role in Saudi Arabia offered rehabilitation away from intense scrutiny. However, that too ended prematurely in January 2025 when Gerrard departed by mutual consent following a difficult spell. He reportedly waived a £10 million payout upon leaving, demonstrating his desire for a clean break.

Since January 2025, Gerrard has remained out of management as a free agent, presumably waiting for the right opportunity. The Rangers vacancy appeared to fit that description, making his withdrawal all the more surprising.

The Broader Context of Rangers’ Decline

The urgency around finding the right manager stems from Rangers’ alarming decline since Gerrard’s 2021 departure. The club that went unbeaten to win the title now finds itself in crisis, having burned through four managers in under three years while watching Celtic restore their domestic dominance.

Rangers are under new US ownership following a takeover led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, who are seeking to stabilize the club and restore competitiveness. The American owners met with Gerrard in London this week as part of their recruitment process, demonstrating their hands-on approach to the managerial search.

The instability has affected player recruitment, squad morale, and on-field performance. Rangers need not just a manager but a figure capable of uniting a fractured club and providing the medium-term stability necessary for sustainable success.

What’s Next for Both Parties?

Rangers must now accelerate their search for Russell Martin’s replacement, with the club unable to afford further delays. The board faces pressure to identify a candidate who can quickly implement improvements while possessing the long-term vision to restore Rangers to Scottish football’s summit.

For Steven Gerrard, this decision may prove pivotal in his managerial career trajectory. By declining the Rangers opportunity, he’s gambling that either a better situation will emerge, or that his decision to remain patient will ultimately be vindicated by a more suitable opportunity.

The door may remain open for future discussions. If Rangers’ next appointment fails and Gerrard’s circumstances change, both parties could revisit the possibility. However, for now, Gerrard has made clear that whatever the appeal of returning to Ibrox, the timing isn’t right for such a move.

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