Steven Gerrard return claim emerges amid new Rangers manager update
Steven Gerrard has been linked with an emotional return to Rangers this summer after his previous success at Ibrox.
The San Francisco 49ers are on the verge of completing their takeover and then a decision will be made on who the next permanent manager is.
They have already brought in Kevin Thelwell as the sporting director and more arrivals are expected in due course.
Scott Arfield backs Gerrard to be a success once he returns
Scott Arfield played at Ibrox under Gerrard’s stewardship and won Gers’ 55th league title under his stewardship.
Since then, the Englishman has managed Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq and is currently out of work.
Apart from winning the SPFL league title, he’s also won numerous individual awards, including the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year and SPFL Premiership Manager of the Year.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | Points | Points Per Match |
| 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 20:20 | 14 | 1.4 |
Arfield told the Record: “I would have no reservations about bringing Steven back. As much as there were some dark times during his first couple of years in charge, I think there was an air of inevitability that it was going to click at some stage.
“I felt that because of the way he worked, the way he made demands of the players and the staff at the club.
“And I was always impressed by the way he added to the squad. Bit by bit, the group got stronger and stronger and that culminated the year we won the league with the signings of Kemar Roofe, Cedric Itten and Leon Balogun.
“The frustration the following season was the fact we didn’t make the further signings required to move the team on again and perhaps that’s what led Steven to make the decision to leave. But I’d like to see him return.
“I know that he did enjoy living in Glasgow, he enjoyed the pressure you operate under at a club like Rangers because that’s how he was raised at Liverpool.
“Steven gets Glasgow. He knows what is required. I really believe Steven would be a good fit for the new owners. He knows the club, knows the demands and how things work up here.
“There’s that old saying, ‘never go back,’ but I was inside the building when he was here and know how diligently he worked.”
Gerrard may be open to a Rangers return post the takeover
Gerrard may be open to returning to Gers due to the promise of substantial funds from the prospective new ownership, led by the San Francisco 49ers’ investment group, which could enable a significant squad rebuild.
His previous tenure at Ibrox was marked by a historic 2020-21 Scottish Premiership title win, ending a decade-long drought, but he left due to limited transfer budgets that hindered further progress.
With new owners keen on his return and offering financial backing, Gerrard could address past squad weaknesses and close the gap with rivals Celtic, who are set to win yet another league title.
His familiarity with the club, passionate fanbase and proven ability to deliver under pressure make the opportunity appealing.
Additionally, after mixed results at Aston Villa and Al Ettifaq, returning to Ibrox offers a chance to restore his managerial reputation by securing another title.