Steven Gerrard was Rangers’ first-choice to replace Russell Martin, but the former Liverpool and England star has now turned down the vacancy and sent a message to fans
Daniel Orme Trends Writer and Shane Ireland Sport Central Content Editor
20:09, 12 Oct 2025Updated 07:16, 13 Oct 2025
Gerrard helped Rangers to the Premiership title during his previous spell at Ibrox(Image: Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard has expressed gratitude to Rangers supporters for their backing despite turning down an emotional comeback to Ibrox. The former Liverpool captain was the club’s top target to replace Russell Martin.
Gerrard had travelled north of the border for discussions with Rangers, and an agreement was believed to be imminent between both parties. However, the former England midfielder had a dramatic last-minute change of heart, stating the primary factor behind his decision was feeling it wasn’t quite the appropriate moment for a return.
Gerrard remains receptive to a future move back to the club but believed the timing was premature. Despite this, he has delivered a message to fans following his late decision.
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According to Sky Sports, Gerrard expressed appreciation to Rangers supporters for their backing and extended his best wishes to the club for the rest of the season. The Scottish giants have suffered a dismal beginning to the 2025/26 campaign.
They secured victory in just one of their first seven league matches under former manager Martin, whilst their European performances have been equally disappointing. Rangers were comprehensively beaten by Club Brugge in the Champions League play-offs and have been defeated in both of their initial Europa League fixtures, reports the Mirror.
Despite a Rangers return now being ruled out, Anfield icon Gerrard has indicated his eagerness to return to management in the near future. “I’d love another go at some point,” he revealed on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast.
“I want to change a few things and improve a few things and come back fresh.
“With a few different people around myself. I’d love another couple of challenges doing this. And that’s what I’m working on in the background at the moment. A few different ideas, a few different people around me.”
Steven Gerrard spoke on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Gerrard continued: “But there’s a part of me that still feels that there’s a bit of unfinished business in terms of wanting to go in and face another couple of exciting challenges. But I want a certain type of challenge.
“If in an ideal world they come available, I’ll jump at them. If they don’t, I won’t go back in. I want to be at a team that’s going to compete to win because I think that suits me better. I think certain jobs and certain clubs would suit my style and the way I like to go about it.”
Rangers have been compelled to search elsewhere for their next boss. Ex-Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl is now allegedly the leading candidate having been without a role since leaving the Championship club earlier this year.
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