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Maybe the time has now come for Rangers to accept that when Steven Gerrard says ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ what he actually means is the complete opposite.

Gerrard didn’t want to be considered when the Rangers job was vacant after the sacking of Philippe Clement – family reasons. And late on Saturday it emerged that he doesn’t want to be considered now either – the timing isn’t it right.

He supposedly realised that after flying from the Middle East to London for a day – or days – of talks with the Rangers hierarchy. How long does it take to say, ‘I’m out’?

The ‘timing’ reason, it would appear, is strictly for those who came down in the last shower. It’s understood that a reluctance to work under a sporting director (Kevin Thelwell) was one of Gerrard’s main issues.

Twice jilted, Rangers are putting out the notion that they might still get back together sometime in the future. The unrequited love routine is a bit embarrassing and, for whoever they eventually manage to get in the head coach’s chair, possibly a touch unsettling.

Rangers had gone all-in on Gerrard. He was the populist choice, the one character they could think of who would be given time and understanding by the fans.

In the wake of the horror show that was Russell Martin’s time in the job, they needed someone the fans wanted to get behind, a guy with presence and who they could believe in.

This is now something of a horror show for the Rangers board. Their known first choice has ditched them. They’re now on to the supporting cast.

Danny Rohl is supposedly the front-runner. Rohl, 36, was an assistant manager at RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and with the German national team.

His management career exists of 89 games with Sheffield Wednesday, finishing 20th in his first season – he guided them to safety when the drop looked distinctly possible – and then 12th in the season after that.

At a club mired in ownership and financial troubles, 12th was an admirable performance. He left by mutual consent in July this year.

To Rangers, the brevity of Rohl’s managerial career would represent a monumental gamble – and after Martin, the new Ibrox board probably thought they were done with monumental gambles.

This is a huge club, but the list of potential managers is tiny.

Already, Sean Dyche has said he’s not interested. Kevin Muscat – who works in China with champions Shanghai Port – has also been mentioned and would have support.

Another former player, Derek McInnes, has turned them down before and it’s highly probable the Hearts head coach he would do so again, if the offer came, which it almost certainly won’t.

That’s why the club, now under the control of the American consortium who took charge in May, went straight to Gerrard. He ticked a lot of boxes. Even though everyone assumed his return was a fait accompli, there were a few red flags around.

The club he left in 2021 no longer operates in the same way. Gerrard had the run of Ibrox when he was there before. Everybody bowed to him. He had a managing director and a board, yes, but he was the man, he was Stevie G, the boss.

What he asked for, within reason, he got. But now there is no Dave King as chairman and no Stewart Robertson as managing director, there is no Michael Beale helping on the coaching side and no Ross Wilson on player recruitment. All four were huge Gerrard men. They were his colleagues but also his champions.

There’s now a new chairman, a new vice-chairman, a new sporting director, a new technical director, a new head of recruitment, a new head scout – and Gerrard doesn’t know them.

If, and when, he asked about budget the chances are that he won’t have liked what he heard. Rangers have already said that they had a net spend on players of £20m in the summer, which puts their gross spend close to £40m, if the fees for outgoing players are to be believed.

Last time around, when Gerrard took over from the hapless Pedro Caixinha, he could throw out the dross and start again, but it cost a lot of cash and it plunged Rangers into financial challenges.

Under Caixinha, Rangers had Declan John and Gerrard had Ryan Kent. Steven Davis, Borna Barisic, Jermaine Defoe, Ianis Hagi, Calvin Bassey, Joe Aribo and Kemar Roofe improved things. There were also duds – far too many – but Gerrard was bullet proof.

The wage bill kept on rocketing throughout his time. The operating losses soared to fund the vision – in his three full seasons, including the financially wounding Covid era, Rangers recorded operating losses of more than £50m. Celtic’s losses across the span covering the pandemic were about £100,000.

That latitude does not exist anymore. There are more lines of command at the club.

There is a squad that maybe Gerrard didn’t fancy and would have wanted to change, but that freedom he had before would not be there now. Thelwell, the sporting director appointed by the owners, signed all of these guys.

You could say that Saturday and last summer were the two times Gerrard custard-pied Rangers, but of course there was a third.

On a Thursday in October 2021, Gerrard was interviewed after his Rangers team – reigning champions of Scotland – had beaten Brondby 2-0 in the Europe League.

That week there’d been speculation linking him with Newcastle, so the rumours were put to him. “Do I look happy?” he asked, in a rhetorical sense. “Do I look settled? Don’t ask me silly questions then.”

Five games later he was no longer Rangers manager. He went to Aston Villa and won eight games out of 31 and was sacked with Villa 17th in the Premier League.

Later, he went to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, got them to sixth in his first season and left by mutual consent after 18 months when his team fell to 12th, just five points above the relegation zone.

Gerrard was the manager Rangers wanted, but he’s been beaten up since he left Ibrox. There was no guarantee that they’d have been getting the hot property of 2021, the great redeemer who, eventually, stopped Celtic in their tracks.

World Cup qualifying: Scotland v Belarus

Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Sunday, 12 October Time: 17:00 BST

Steve Clarke will have led Scotland in more games than any other man by the end of Sunday.

When Belarus come to Hampden, the 62-year-old will better the late Craig Brown’s record of 71 matches in charge.

Despite that, fans are perhaps polarised on how good a job the former West Brom and Kilmarnock manager has done in his six years in charge.

He is the only man to guide Scotland’s men’s side to a major finals over the past 27 years – something he has managed twice at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.

A first World Cup appearance since 1998 would elevate Clarke’s legacy to new heights, with a second win this week potentially pivotal in achieving that.

A late Oliver Burke winner over Cyprus in Clarke’s first match in charge set the tone for six years of ups, downs and drama.

There was pain before gain, with Belgium and Russia dishing out two defeats each to the sorry Scots over the next four games.

At that point, the nation had not featured at a major tournament in more than two decades.

If you had offered any member of the Tartan Army two Euros appearances over the next six years, you would have been lucky to still have a hand.

A shift of shape to a back three and a nine-match unbeaten run culminated with Scotland defeating Serbia on penalties in a play-off to secure a place at Euro 2020.

The Scots failed to progress from their group in the delayed finals, though, and many questioned if Clarke had hit his ceiling after defeat by Ukraine in the 2022 World Cup play-offs.

But resilience has been in the Scotland boss’ make-up throughout his tenure.

A stunning start to Euro 2024 qualifying, including a landmark win over Spain, ensured Clarke’s men reached the finals with two games to spare.

However, those doubts came flooding back – and louder than ever before – following a deflating summer on the pitch in Germany.

Scotland failed to progress from their group again, but the head coach’s cautious approach attracted most of the intense criticism.

Clarke vowed to fight on in a bid to reach the World Cup next year, and his squad are in good shape after taking seven points from their first three qualifiers.

If Clarke is able to lead his side to the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer, he will become the first Scotland boss to take charge at three major tournaments.

He has won 31, drawn 16 and lost 24 of his 71 matches – a win rate of 44% – and his teams have scored 100 goals while conceding 92.

Meanwhile, his win percentage of 58% in competitive qualifiers – 18 victories from 31 games – makes for impressive reading.

The Scotland boss has benefitted from having a talented group at his disposal, but one thing he has lacked is a goalscoring striker.

Clarke instead found a way to get goals from John McGinn and Scott McTominay, and it is the midfield duo who have had the most goal involvements during his reign.

Aston Villa captain McGinn has scored 20 times and set up another nine in 65 caps under Clarke, while Napoli’s McTominay is on 12 goals and two assists in 56 games.

A World Cup in 2026, hopefully.

Clarke’s current deal is set to expire after those finals next year. In March, he said there was a 75% chance he would not renew his contract.

Perhaps a World Cup appearance would bring his Scotland story to a natural conclusion, or failure to get there would open the door for something fresh.

But before that is formally addressed, there are three crucial qualifiers to navigate.

Victory over Belarus – live on the BBC – could result in Scotland having a play-off place guaranteed for next summer’s finals or could leave them clear at the top of the group with two games left.

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy says he was hugely impressed by the commitment from his players in Saturday’s 28-7 win over South African side Bulls.

Wilco Louw cancelled out Stuart McCloskey’s try in the first half but Ulster scored three tries after the restart, through Juarno Augustus, Rob Herring and Cormac Izuchukwu, to power to victory.

It was a second bonus-point win in as many matches in the United Rugby Championship for Ulster, who have a game in hand over the majority of the league after their game in Edinburgh was postponed as a result of Storm Amy.

“Absolutely, I was blown away by their commitment, work ethic and grit to stay in the fight,” Murphy said when asked if it was the best team performance since he took charge of Ulster in March 2024.

“I thought we worked really hard for each other defensively. It shows the team is building nicely and there’s still loads of things we feel we can be better at.

“We have to build on it going forward now.”

Ulster will now travel to South Africa for two matches against Sharks and Lions before the URC takes a break for the November internationals, and Murphy says his side are “going down there on a mission to win”.

“I don’t think we should worry about any team we are playing,” he said.

“Going down to South Africa is obviously a very difficult place to go.

Just when the Scottish media had been drawn into a “Steven Gerrard returns to Rangers” frenzy, the former England midfielder withdrew from the process as the Scottish Premiership club seek a new head coach.

The timing of the move, with Gerrard having left Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq in January, is believed to be behind the decision.

Having initially held positive discussions with the former Aston Villa boss, Rangers are left looking elsewhere for a successor to the sacked Russell Martin.

Rangers fans seem united in their shock at Gerrard’s decision but split about whether it is a good or bad thing for the club, with chairman Patrick Stewart, sporting director Kevin Thelwell and the new American owners also under scrutiny.

Brian: Hugely disappointed with Gerrard’s decision. I felt energised at the prospect of him becoming manager after the debacle of Russell Martin’s tenure, when I’d just lost all hope and belief in the club. We are now left in this vacuum of hopelessness where I feel lost.

Jeff: Everyone is really upset that it’s not worked out with Gerrard, but most likely this is because they’re focused on their corporate set-up. This director of football role is actually hurting the club. We’re forced to look to inferior set-ups to make sure we can ensure that the director of football gets his position strengthened.

Alexander: Gerrard obviously knows that Rangers are in a bad place right now and, no matter what, he would be unable to lift the team. The next manager is going to have to build the team up from their confidence and fitness levels to get the team back to basics in how to defend and, more importantly, how to play as a team. Setting a new standard of performance will be crucial to getting Rangers back on track.

Kenny: There were doubts in my mind whether he could repeat the success he had initially with us. He had that impetus carry over from his playing days that brought passion and confidence to the players. That has a shelf life. His backroom staff were very important to his success.

Craig: So Gerrard only wants to manage a club able to compete as that’s best for him. What he’s really saying is “I am unable to improve a team or players as I’d be out of my depth and don’t have the necessary skills to do this”.

Callum: Anyone asked to come in and manage the club will now know that they weren’t first choice. If, as has been reported, Thelwell and Stewart were the stumbling block then the obvious solution is to sack that pair and invite Gerrard back for more talks.

Andrew: “Timing” seems a convenient excuse. Surely he knew timing was bad at the start of the week. It sounds somewhat like he doesn’t buy into the owners’ plans, which is potentially slightly concerning. If the owners have pushed him away, that’s pretty poor.

Robert: Gutted. There is obviously more to it than timing as why would Gerrard have flown half around the world to speak to the club? There needs to be clarity on the reason he turned us down.

David: Gerrard is not the manager Rangers need right now. He was also the one who walked away from Rangers. The board must be held responsible and fans have no faith in them.

Kenny: Probably for the best. Looks like he thinks he’s better than his record actually is. Don’t think he’s in a position to dictate when he picks up the role. Rangers now have the name of a sack-happy club.

Stewart: Unfortunately, our club has now wasted seven days pursuing Steven Gerrard. If he had doubts, he should have pulled out earlier.

Joss: He never intended to take it. Just wanted the opportunity to knock it back, as if he might have other big offers on the horizon. I don’t believe there are a queue of big clubs looking to secure his services.

Tim: Terrible optics yet again coming from the club. Supporters are losing faith in the owners and the people they appointed. Whoever becomes manager will have to start winning very quickly.

Stuart: I’m surprised at Gerrard. Does he think he’ll go on to manage a big club in England fighting for honours? Highly unlikely. I wasn’t fully behind him. I believe anyone we get will be hit and miss with the players available at Ibrox at the moment.

Philip: I think both Rangers and Gerrard have dodged a bullet here.

Tommy: Guess we have to realise that we have to move forward from Gerrard. Twice turned down now and it makes a mockery of Rangers as a club.

William: A shambles again. They had plenty of time to get decent candidates. The board are a disaster. Back to the drawing board.

Keith: It’s a shame, but who can really blame Gerrard? Rangers are a shambles currently.

Former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl is reportedly the new favourite, but there appears to be no consensus about who Rangers should turn to next.

Heart of Midlothian’s Derek McInnes, St Mirren’s Stephen Robinson, Livingston’s David Martindale, former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, Coventry City’s Frank Lampard, former caretaker Barry Ferguson, St Johnstone’s Simo Valakari, former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil, former Everton manager Sean Dyche, ex-Aberdeen boss Neil Warnock, Marco Rose, formerly of RB Leipzig, Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen, Shanghai Port’s Kevin Muscat… take your pick.

Graeme: I’m worried what message Gerrard’s decision will send to other potential interested potential candidates and fans. Is it about available funds not being there for strengthening the squad? I’d love to see Benitez come, but I suspect another second-rate manager is on the cards.

Mark: Why not look nearer to home – Stephen Robinson or David Martindale? Both solid performance. Gerrard left, so he should not have had the chance to come back. Or, if you want top notch, Rafael Benitez is free.

David: I am glad he turned it down. Never forgiven him for leaving like he did last time, nor will I ever. Danny Rohl is the man for me.

Donald: Not to keen on Steven Gerrard coming back, plus Russell Martin has ruined the team as he brought in too many duds. Derek McInnes was my favourite, but it won’t happen this time round.

Kenny: I’m sure Gerrard will return as Rangers boss one day. It looks like financial restraints are too much for him at this time, which is fair enough. However, the Rangers directors need to get it right this time. We need someone with experience and a proven track record.

Jeff: If Lampard, McInnes or Ferguson are not announced, it’s going to be Groundhog Day, but it’ll be the board as well as Stewart and Thelwell who will come under pressure this time.

Douglas: Simo Valakari would me my top choice. He has and is proving his ability in Scotland at St Johnstone with an enjoyable brand of football. Rangers should give him the opportunity before another club from England or Europe steps in.

Edward: Barry and Neil [McCann] and Billy [Dodds] and Allan [McGregor] should be back as soon as possible. They did well in difficult circumstances last season.

Martin: Gary O’Neil is a good person.

Tam: Derek McInnes or Barry Ferguson are the only two that know Rangers and Scottish football.

Nigel: Deflated. I think he would given everyone an immediate lift. Any manager we appoint now from the current names suggested would involve a settling in period trying to win over sceptics, which is how Martin started. McInnes or Ferguson for me.

Susi: They need to appoint someone who is not just in it for the money. They need to have a bit of passion about the club.

Frank: Never wanted Gerrard back. Said he wants to return to management with a club expected to win trophies as he believes that suits him. That’s why he left for Aston Villa, then the Arab League – really? Should never have been considered. Potter is available and, given a five-year deal and left to get on with it, would be successful.

Guy: Good decision by Gerrard. The players are poor, don’t like criticism and the fans toxic and no sort of leadership from the owners. I like Rangers, but if you are a progressive manager, you don’t touch. The people who sort the club out in respect of managers are Dyche or Neil Warnock – they need strong leaders who won’t take crap from over-rated players.

Ruaridh: I’m astonished that nobody seems to be mentioning Stephen Robinson for the Rangers vacancy. He knows Scottish football inside out and has always produced good footballing teams (and encouraged young talent) without having huge amounts of money to spend. He’s just 10 minutes down the road too! We don’t need a high-profile manager. We just need a good manager and Stephen Robinson is exactly that.

Peter: Surprised. Disappointed but certainly not gutted. For me, Derek McInnes was and remains the clear number one choice, so hopefully Rangers now push the boat out to get him. Possibly a blessing in disguise.

John: I never understood the desperation to get Gerrard in. His profile was the only aspect, because I do think they need a big character/name. Rohl is a gamble. They need a Lampard or Southgate to come in.

William: I’m in the minority. I’m glad as it took him three years to win a title. We need a Graeme Souness -type manager who won’t let players just turn up to get their huge salaries. A hard, experienced pro.

David: I have said all along that Barry Ferguson and his staff is a natural selection to be manager. He has the commitment, the passion the respect of players and fans and the ability to mould a successful team to challenge Celtic.

Ally: What they should have done in the first place and try get Derek McInnes. If he doesn’t want to leave Hearts, it’s got to be Barry with his same team again. They will set us up properly and go back to what Rangers used to be and have a strong Scottish base who know the league and the pressure playing for Rangers will bring.

Bill: If Ange Postecoglou is sacked at Nottingham Forest, Rangers would be mad not to take him on board. He has a fantastic proven record in Scotland and is a brilliant tactician and man-manager. Would the owners be brave enough?

Boaby: Personally I would go for Marco Rose, although there is no guarantee he would be interested. The obvious alternative is Mr McInnes, who had Walter Smith’s endorsement, which is more than good enough for me.

John: I’m actually glad Gerrard turned down Rangers. He’s not what Rangers need. It’s understandable to want to go back to the guy that last won something for the club. But he didn’t take the club forward. Steve Cooper can and would take Rangers forward. Yet he’s never been considered or even linked to the position.

Chris: So glad Gerrard is not coming back. Let him go somewhere else to try to get his mojo back. Only one trophy winner in the names being banded about. Appoint Kevin Muscat now please and don’t consider the other mediocre “did well from limited resources or staved off relegation” candidates please.

Euan: Don’t believe the statement for a minute. If timing wasn’t right, why commit to the talks in the first place. Senior exec team at Rangers are displaying a concerning lack of football knowledge, fishing in a small pool of the footballs’ unemployed/recently sacked. Why not be bold and try and tempt Kjetil Knutsen from Bodo/Glimt or someone else who is actually currently doing a good job?

Callum: Whilst it would have been good to see Stevie back, we need a manager with experience to turn the squad around. So long as it is not another Martin-esque appointment like Rohl.