Godwin ObajeSteven Gerrard Poised for Rangers Return with Eye on Key Backroom Appointments
Steven Gerrard is on the cusp of returning to Rangers as manager and is reportedly keen to bring a familiar backroom team to Ibrox, including Gary McAllister, Jermain Defoe, and Steve Holland, according to sources close to the club and Sky Sports News.
The Glasgow giants find themselves in a turbulent phase after the recent dismissal of Russell Martin, whose tenure ended amid fan unrest following a string of poor results, notably a dismal defeat to Falkirk that intensified calls for change. The club’s chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe have been actively seeking a new managerial appointment, with Gerrard emerging as the frontrunner ahead of other candidates such as former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl.
A Familiar Face at Ibrox
Gerrard, who previously managed Rangers between 2021 and 2022, enjoyed significant success at the club, famously leading them to the Scottish Premiership title in the 2020/21 season with an unprecedented 102 points and a rock-solid defence conceding just 13 goals all season. His tenure revitalised Rangers and sparked optimism among supporters, making his potential return highly anticipated.
Sources suggest that talks between Gerrard and the Rangers hierarchy are ongoing and progressing well, with a final agreement expected soon. Should the deal be concluded, Gerrard’s return would mark a significant moment for Rangers, aiming to arrest a worrying slump that has left the team 11 points adrift at the top of the Scottish Premiership after just seven games.
Rebuilding the Staff: McAllister, Defoe, and Holland
One of Gerrard’s priorities appears to be reinstating his trusted coaching team, starting with Gary McAllister. McAllister served as his assistant during Gerrard’s previous spell at Rangers, providing invaluable support and contributing to the club’s domestic success.
In addition, former striker Jermain Defoe, who Gerrard brought to the club as a player during his last stint, is also expected to return to the coaching setup. Defoe’s experience and understanding of the Rangers ethos would be pivotal in helping to steady the squad and nurture emerging talents.
The backroom rebuild does not stop there. Steve Holland, the former England assistant manager under Gareth Southgate, has reportedly been approached about joining Gerrard’s staff. Holland has an extensive coaching pedigree, having also managed in Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos before being released in April 2025. His potential inclusion would add further quality and tactical insight to Gerrard’s team at Ibrox.
Challenges Await
Rangers currently face a challenging landscape on multiple fronts. After a poor start to the Scottish Premiership campaign, the club has also been underwhelming in European competitions, suffering consecutive defeats in the Europa League against Genk and Sturm Graz. Their European woes extend to the Champions League qualifiers, where they were comprehensively beaten by Club Brugge with a humiliating 9-1 aggregate loss.
These results have compounded the urgency for Rangers to restore confidence both on and off the pitch, a task Gerrard is expected to undertake with immediate effect should he be appointed.
Immediate Fixtures and Future Outlook
Should the appointment be finalised this week, Gerrard’s first game in charge is expected to be a home fixture against Dundee United, providing a timely opportunity to arrest the club’s slide and rekindle belief among supporters. Following this, Rangers will travel to Norway for a Europa League clash against Brann, a fixture that could set the tone for their European campaign.
Gerrard’s return is being viewed as a vital step in stabilising Rangers amid mounting pressure from supporters demanding a return to former glories. His familiarity with the club, combined with the ability to bring in trusted staff members, provides a blueprint for a potential resurgence.
Perspectives from Inside the Club
While no official statements have been made, insiders close to Rangers believe that Gerrard’s return would be welcomed by the majority of the fanbase, hungry for success after a difficult start to the season.
A source close to the negotiations commented:
“Gerrard’s record speaks for itself. He knows the club inside out and understands what it takes to win at Rangers. Bringing McAllister and Defoe back will help recreate that winning environment.”
Adding to this, the potential involvement of Steve Holland adds a layer of tactical acumen, given his experience with the England national team setup:
“Steve is a highly respected coach with international experience. His addition could bring a fresh perspective to the squad and help improve performance on both domestic and European fronts.”
What Lies Ahead?
Rangers’ ambitions remain high despite the current setbacks, and Gerrard’s return is seen as a decisive move to realign the club with those goals. The next few weeks will be crucial as the new manager and his staff assess the squad, implement changes, and prepare for a congested fixture list.
With only a handful of league games played, there remains time for Rangers to turn their season around. However, the urgency is clear, and expectations on Gerrard to deliver results swiftly will be immense.
Conclusion
Steven Gerrard’s potential return to Rangers is more than just a managerial appointment; it represents a chance to restore stability, reignite ambition, and reestablish Rangers as a dominant force in Scottish football and beyond. With a backroom team reportedly lined up including Gary McAllister, Jermain Defoe, and Steve Holland, Gerrard is poised to build a coaching staff that could replicate — or even surpass — his previous success.
The club’s supporters will be hoping that this reunion will spark a revival capable of challenging for honours once again. As negotiations near completion, all eyes at Ibrox will be fixed on what could be the beginning of a new chapter for the Light Blues.
Godwin Obaje
