Godwin ObajeSteven Gerrard Walks Away From Rangers Return: What Next for the Ibrox Club?
Steven Gerrard has opted not to return to Rangers as head coach, despite holding advanced talks with the club last week. While the 45-year-old remained open to discussions, sources close to the negotiations confirmed the timing wasn’t right for the former Liverpool captain, who previously led Rangers to their historic 2020/21 Scottish Premiership title.
Gerrard’s decision now leaves Rangers searching for a new head coach to replace Russell Martin, who was dismissed after just 123 days in charge. The club has been actively interviewing candidates in London, with former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl and ex-Rangers defender Kevin Muscat both emerging as strong contenders.
Why Gerrard Said No – For Now
Gerrard’s first tenure at Ibrox saw him become a hero among the Rangers support after leading the club to their first league title in a decade and ending Celtic’s pursuit of 10-in-a-row. His connection to the club remains strong, and he is understood to have “thoroughly enjoyed his time in Glasgow,” with a lingering sense of “unfinished business.”
He flew to London last Wednesday for face-to-face talks with the Rangers hierarchy, including chairman Andrew Cavenagh, vice-chairman Paraag Marathe, sporting director Kevin Thelwell, and CEO Patrick Stewart. The meetings continued into Friday and were described by insiders as “constructive.” Gerrard even began forming plans for a backroom team, sounding out names such as Gary McAllister, Jermain Defoe, and Steve Holland.
However, logistical and personal challenges played a significant role in the discussions stalling. Gerrard is currently based in Bahrain with his family, following his stint with Saudi club Al Ettifaq. Balancing a move back to Glasgow amid personal commitments was one factor, but the club’s current on-field situation also gave him pause.
Despite a £34m summer outlay on player recruitment, Rangers sit eighth in the Scottish Premiership, trailing league leaders Hearts by 11 points and arch-rivals Celtic by nine. The team also failed to qualify for the Champions League and lost their opening two Europa League fixtures.
Although Gerrard was impressed with the board’s vision and long-term ambitions, the role, in its current state, did not align with his circumstances. He is, however, believed to remain open to future discussions.
Who’s Leading Training Now?
Following the dismissal of Russell Martin and his backroom staff, including assistant Matt Gill and coach Mike Williamson, the club has turned to its internal coaching setup to maintain stability.
Under-19 coach and former Rangers left-back Steven Smith is currently overseeing first-team training. He is being supported by B team coach Brian Gilmour, goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo, and head of performance Rhys Owen.
Several first-team players are expected to return to training in the coming days following international duty. Rangers’ next match is a crucial home fixture against Dundee United this Saturday.
The Search for a Successor
Rangers are continuing their recruitment process with urgency but also with a clear sense of direction. The club’s modernised football structure—driven by CEO Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell—emphasises a “head coach” model, rather than the traditional British “manager” figure. Russell Martin was the first permanent appointment to carry that title in the club’s 153-year history.
Among the names under serious consideration is Kevin Muscat, the current head coach of Shanghai Port in China. A former Rangers defender and treble-winner at Ibrox, Muscat has built an impressive coaching résumé. He’s won titles in Australia with Melbourne Victory, in Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos, and now in China. He also had a brief stint in Belgium. Muscat’s playing history and coaching pedigree continue to keep him on the radar of the Ibrox hierarchy.
Another leading candidate is Danny Rohl, who has already held talks with the club. The 36-year-old German was previously linked with Rangers in the summer prior to Martin’s appointment. Rohl impressed at Sheffield Wednesday last season, leading the Championship side to a 12th-place finish after taking over during a relegation battle. Despite leaving the Yorkshire club in July, his previous experience as an assistant with RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich, and the German national team adds to his credentials.
“Rohl has impressed the Rangers hierarchy,” a source close to the club revealed, confirming his strong candidacy in the ongoing recruitment process.
Who’s Out of the Running?
A number of names previously linked to the Ibrox hot seat have since been ruled out. Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil were both approached during earlier phases of the process but are no longer in contention.
Likewise, former Union Berlin manager Bo Svensson and ex-Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhüttl were both discussed internally, but neither appear to be part of the final shortlist.
The Road Ahead
Rangers’ American-led boardroom, including chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe, continues to lead the head coach search from London. They are being supported by 49ers Enterprises technical director Gretar Steinsson, alongside Stewart and Thelwell.
The urgency is clear. With a congested fixture list on the horizon, including a key Europa League clash away to Brann on October 23, and a League Cup semi-final against Celtic on November 2, Rangers need stability and direction quickly.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Dundee United (H) – Scottish Premiership – Saturday
Brann (A) – Europa League – October 23
Kilmarnock (H) – Scottish Premiership – October 26
Hibernian (A) – Scottish Premiership – October 29 (Live on Sky Sports)
Celtic (N) – League Cup Semi-final – November 2
The coming days will be critical for Rangers. Whether it’s a fresh-faced coach like Rohl or a returning hero like Muscat, the club knows that whoever steps into the Ibrox dugout must be ready to deliver immediate results—both domestically and in Europe.
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