‘Agreement was close’ – Insider reveals why Steven Gerrard rejected the chance to return to Rangers

Steven Gerrard has reportedly turned down the opportunity to make an emotional return to Ibrox, leaving Rangers still searching for their next manager.

The Liverpool legend, who became a hero in Govan during his first spell in charge from 2018 to 2021, was identified by the board as their top target to replace Russell Martin.

Gerrard’s greatest achievement at Rangers came in the 2020/21 season, when he guided the club to their first league title in a decade — and an unbeaten campaign — becoming only the fourth manager in Scottish football history to do so, and the first at Ibrox since 1899.

Although his managerial career has since struggled to reach the same heights at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq, Rangers saw Gerrard as the ideal candidate to steady the ship after a difficult start to the season.

The bookmakers quickly installed him as favourite for the job, and many supporters were eager to welcome him back. Reports even suggested that his former assistants Gary McAllister and Jermain Defoe were set to rejoin him as part of his coaching team.

However, in a surprise twist, Gerrard declined the offer. According to talkSPORT reporter Ben Jacobs, the 44-year-old felt the “timing wasn’t right” for a return.

Jacobs revealed that Gerrard had flown to London for talks and was also approached in the summer, but ultimately decided against taking the job on both occasions.

Jacobs explained:

“Gerrard thought long and hard, and agreement was quite close. But from his perspective, the timing wasn’t right. Some will question why he attended talks if that was the case, but it’s often part of the process — meeting face-to-face to understand the sporting project.”

It’s also understood Gerrard had concerns about working under the club’s current sporting structure, headed by Kevin Thelwell, and about the high-pressure task of reviving Rangers’ season midway through a campaign.

The decision has reportedly left members of the Rangers hierarchy surprised, as they were confident of securing Gerrard’s return. With the club enduring one of their poorest starts to a league season in recent history, and falling further behind Celtic and Hearts, the search for a new boss continues.

Among the other names being considered are former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Röhl — admired for his impressive turnaround at Hillsborough despite limited experience — and Kevin Muscat, who has enjoyed success in Australia, Japan, and China.

Muscat’s profile could see Rangers take a similar approach to Celtic’s appointment of Ange Postecoglou.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Derek McInnes, and Barry Ferguson are also believed to be under consideration.

Despite Gerrard’s rejection, bookmakers haven’t entirely ruled out the possibility of him changing his mind — though for now, Rangers remain back at square one in their managerial search.