Rangers Set for Managerial Change as Season Ends – Gerrard Linked with Return
Rangers appear poised to begin the search for a new manager once the season concludes.
Barry Ferguson, currently serving as interim boss until the end of the campaign, has been mentioned as a potential permanent option. However, the team’s Europa League quarter-final exit at the hands of Athletic Bilbao on Thursday (17 April) has cast doubt on that possibility, bringing a reality check to the club.
Gerrard’s Name Resurfaces
With 49ers Enterprises aiming to finalize their takeover of the Ibrox club ahead of next season, it’s becoming increasingly likely that the new ownership will opt for their own appointment, rather than retaining Ferguson.
The anticipated investment from the 49ers could give Rangers greater spending power during the summer transfer window—fueling hopes of assembling a squad capable of challenging Celtic once again.
As such, the manager selection will likely reflect that ambition. A candidate with experience handling high expectations and managing notable signings will be key.
One name that continues to circulate is that of Steven Gerrard, who famously led Rangers to a Scottish Premiership title during his tenure.
Yet not everyone is sold on the idea. Speaking on talkSPORT (18 April, 12:09pm), journalist Bill Leckie voiced his skepticism:
“It keeps getting mentioned, and there are definitely people at Rangers still in the Gerrard camp,” he said.
“But I have to ask—why bring him back? Sure, he won the league, but it was in the highly unusual Covid season, which I don’t think is a proper benchmark.
“He left when a better opportunity came up, and things don’t usually work out the same the second time around. I wouldn’t make that call if it were up to me.”
Looking Beyond Gerrard
While Gerrard’s previous spell at Ibrox was a success in terms of silverware, it came during a unique period. Since then, both Rangers and Celtic have evolved significantly.
His subsequent managerial stints haven’t gone as smoothly—he struggled at Aston Villa and has found limited success with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
These numbers raise legitimate questions about whether Gerrard’s achievements at Rangers were down to his managerial prowess or the specific conditions of that era.
Relying on the past in the hope of repeating previous successes is rarely a winning formula—especially when the context has changed so dramatically.
If the 49ers complete their takeover, the managerial position will be one of the most attractive in Scottish football, marking the start of a fresh chapter.
For that reason, Rangers must aim higher in their search for a new leader—someone with a vision for the future, not just a connection to the past.
‘Why?’ – Bill Leckie reacts to name mentioned behind-the-scenes for Rangers job
