Danny Murphy reacts to Steven Gerrard latest in new Rangers manager update
Rangers are set to appoint a new manager by the end of the week.
The 49ers Enterprises are looking to complete their Ibrox takeover by mid-June, but following Barry Ferguson’s exit from his interim role, there is a space to be filled in the hot seat.
Several names have been linked with a move to Rangers, including Steven Gerrard, Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin, but the 49ers have to make a call about which direction they wish to go in.
Danny Murphy casts Gerrard verdict at Rangers
The managerial race at Rangers is said to be open, with Ancelotti still said to be keen on the move to Ibrox.
However, Gerrard is now seemingly the favourite for the vacancy with a return to Ibrox on the cards.
The former Liverpool player previously lifted the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers, and there is hope that he will be able to bring that success back to Glasgow.
If Gerrard were to return to Rangers, it has been reported that Jordan Henderson and Steven Davis could join as his assistants, meaning some change from last time around.
It has been debated whether this return to a previous manager is what the Gers need when preparing for a new era, or whether the 49ers should be looking forward.
Speaking live on talkSPORT (21 May, 11:05am), Danny Murphy admitted it may the easy route as he said: “I’m not surprised because for Rangers, it’s kind of like the easy option.
“When was the last time we had success? Who brought it for us? When was the last time we were able to knock Celtic off the perch? And it was Steven, wasn’t it?
“He knows the club, he wouldn’t have to spend too much time finding his feet. He knows the league because he’s been there, was there for a couple of years. So, I understand it. I think the fans will be on board with it.
“I think the lack of experience surrounding, because he had Gary McAllister with him last time, which was obviously important for him with the Scottish side of things and that, and Gary McAllister knowing his way about.
“But, yeah, there’s no guarantee for Rangers whoever they appoint, there absolutely is not.”
49ers need Rangers appointment to pay off
Unsurprisingly, supporters have been getting excited about what’s to come at Ibrox ever since the announcement that a takeover was on the cards.
The increased investment is tied to higher levels of ambition, meaning expectations are going to be high once the 49ers get underway.
You can understand the attraction of going back to Gerrard. As Murphy says, he is someone who has brought success before and knows the club and the league well, which some names since have not.
| Gerrard win rate with Rangers |
| 64.8% |
However, as he also pointed out, it does feel like a fairly safe option rather than pushing the boat out to bring someone new and potentially more innovative into the hot seat.
If Gerrard does return to Glasgow but the tenure does not go to plan, there will undoubtedly be questions being asked of the new owners and what exactly they are willing to change for success.