Rangers snubbed after ex-Premier League captain holds talks with board
Rangers are still not close to appointing a new manager, with several options under consideration at Ibrox.
Russell Martin was sacked by Rangers on Sunday, after a hugely tumultuous four months in charge of the Glasgow club.
After the Gers failed to win on Sunday, marking their fifth draw in seven Scottish Premiership games, decision-makers at Ibrox were left with no choice but to dismiss the Englishman.
Steven Gerrard has emerged as the first choice at Rangers, with the manager, who left in 2021, without a job having left Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq in January.
Despite reportedly being unimpressed with the squad left by Martin, Gerrard would be open to returning to Rangers.
Derek McInnes keen to stay put at Hearts
Rangers have held talks with Derek McInnes, with the Hearts manager among the ideal options for decision-makers at Ibrox.
Convincing the Scot to leave the Jam Tarts would be difficult, however. Hearts sit top of the Scottish Premiership after an unbeaten start, having won six of their opening seven games.
| Hearts | Scottish Premiership 2025-26 |
| Points | 19 |
| Goals scored | 16 |
| Goals conceded | 6 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 10.9 |
| Expected goals against (xGA) | 6.3 |
McInnes‘ side have already travelled to Ibrox this season, too, beating Rangers 2-0 in a game that attracted huge controversy for several key refereeing decisions.
As a player, the former midfielder played for the Gers between 1995 and 2000, but made just 34 appearances.
He would later go on to feature in the Premier League, captaining West Brom for the 2002-03 season.
But it appears that McInnes will not be the next Rangers manager. Hearts Standard reported on Wednesday that the 54-year-old has held talks with the Hearts board and has no desire to leave.
The Gers are yet to make an approach over the manager’s potential availability, but the Scottish Premiership leaders are comfortable with the situation should that change.
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Steven Gerrard appointment makes sense for everyone
There are, without a doubt, drawbacks to the potential return of Gerrard.
After leaving Rangers, the former Liverpool midfielder endured a shambolic 13 months in charge of Aston Villa, and his time in Saudi Arabia was not much better.
But the 45-year-old carries a presence at Ibrox that Rangers have not been able to replace since his departure.
Gerrard’s return would unite the fanbase and encourage the team, at a time when both are desperately needed.
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