Gerrard came ‘very close’ to Rangers return

Steven Gerrard admitted to being “very close” to becoming manager of Rangers, but ultimately rejected the position because things weren’t “perfect.”

Following Russell Martin’s dismissal last month, the former Ibrox boss decided to step down and speak with the Scottish Premiership club.

The former England and Liverpool captain spent the 2018-2021 season as manager of Rangers, winning the Scottish title there before failing to succeed at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq.

Gerrard claimed that while his family is still based in Bahrain, Gerrard’s heart was “100% there,” the timing was inappropriate for a return to Ibrox.

There were a few things that I didn’t know about. And if I’m going to take a challenge that big and important, and I have that connection with Rangers, it must be flawless and completely prepared for me to do so.

Gerrard had been suggested that he might consider joining Rangers’ current structure, which would now include sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart, where he might play as the head coach rather than the manager.

When asked about that, the 45-year-old said that while “the timing wasn’t right from a family standpoint,” she also acknowledged that you must do your due diligence in some situations.

I need to evaluate, “Is it right for me,” Gerrard said. Is the timing right, and how can I be the best version of myself in that position? Unfortunately, I didn’t feel right about the timing.