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Next Rangers manager: Steven Gerrard makes FINAL decision on Ibrox return
Cameron Smith
- 30 May 2025 09:20 BST
- 4 min read
News
Steven Gerrard has reportedly rejected the chance to become the new Rangers manager in favour of remaining in the Middle East.
The Liverpool legend has been heavily linked with a return to Ibrox following the sacking of Philippe Clement in February, but he has turned down the opportunity to rejoin the club this summer.
That is according to The Daily Record, who report that Gerrard has decided to remain in Bahrain for at least another year, despite the fact he left his role as the head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq back in January.
The 45-year-old was reportedly convinced to stay in the Middle East by his wife Alex, with the family unwilling to leave their luxury lifestyle in order to return to Scotland.
Gerrard held initial discussions over a possible move back to Rangers, however he has ultimately decided against the move in order to remain in the Middle East for at least another 12 months.
The ex-Rangers boss enjoyed a successful three-year stint in charge at Ibrox between 2018 and 2021, winning the Scottish top flight title in his final season, before he joined Aston Villa as Dean Smith’s replacement.
Who will be the next Rangers manager?
With Gerrard now out of the running, Rangers have been forced to turn to alternative targets.
Former Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo, has held talks with the Scottish giants amid his pursuit of his first head coach role, while ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin is also in contention for the vacant position.
Ancelotti coached alongside his father at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid, but he is yet to follow him to the Brazil national team as he searches to land his first job as a manager.
Martin, on the other hand, guided Southampton back to the Premier League during the 2023-24 campaign, but he was sacked in December after losing 13 of the first 16 league matches of the season.
He did, however, make 17 appearances for Rangers during a short four-month loan spell as a player back in 2018.
Other options for the vacant Rangers job reportedly include the likes of Danny Rohl, Rob Edwards and Gary O’Neil.
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