Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard hoping to lure Ibrox ally to Al-Ettifaq
Steven Gerrard is hoping to persuade former Rangers staff member Jim McAlister to join him at Al-Ettifaq, according to the Daily Record.
The Scottish outlet reported on Monday [25 September] that Gerrard wants to reunite with kitman McAlister, who he previously worked with at Ibrox.
McAlister joined Rangers in March 2021 during Gerrard’s time in charge and left earlier this year.
The Daily Record report adds that “Gerrard wants his former employee to take over as Al-Ettifaq’s kit coordinator”.
Familiar faces
Gerrard has already lured Scotland international Jack Hendry to Saudi Arabia, while another former Celtic player in Moussa Dembele is also on Al-Ettifaq’s books.
Throw former Liverpool team-mates Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum into the mix, plus ex-Everton man Demarai Gray, and it is fair to say Gerrard is focusing on recruiting those he knows.
The reasons behind McAlister’s departure from Ibrox are not widely known, though he is currently out of work and this seems like a good opportunity to get back involved in the game.
McAlister is still aged just 37, with his own playing career being cut short in 2021 due to injury problems.
While Gerrard’s departure left fans angered, there is no ill will of any sort towards McAlister.
And as far as jobs go, being paid big bucks – presumably – as a kitman has to be right up there.
In other Rangers news, Michael Beale’s quotes at the weekend suggest he plans on being in place at Ibrox for the long term.