A Rangers manager target is now ready to make his return to the dugout, with those at Ibrox keen on a move, according to a fresh update.
Rangers manager rumours ramp up
The 49ers Enterprises look set to be the ones tasked with appointing a new permanent Gers manager this summer after agreeing a deal in principle to take over in Glasgow.
Barry Ferguson is in charge until the end of the season and has done his chances of landing the job on a full-time basis no harm, especially with impressive performances in Europe and against rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
However, Ferguson isn’t the only name on Rangers’ manager shortlist. Former Newcastle and Everton boss Rafael Benitez was one of the early names mentioned, and recently, ex-Southampton manager Russell Martin and Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior have both been linked with a move to Scotland.
Bye-bye: "Fragile" £416,000-per-year Rangers player now set to leave Ibrox
He’s set to be axed ahead of the 2025/26 season.
ByCharlie SmithApr 16, 2025
Steven Gerrard has also been mooted with a possible return to Glasgow after leaving Rangers for Aston Villa back in 2021. Things didn’t work out for the 44-year-old in the Midlands and, after an 18-month spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq, Gerrard is currently without a job.
Talking recently, Gerrard said he wasn’t looking to return to the dugout just yet, saying: “I don’t want to be back in work, not at the moment. I’ve just come out, so I am happy waking up, being free, doing the family stuff and being free from the stress.
“I will go back in at some point but when it is round the clock for 18 months, I just want to be free and do normal things that you can’t do when you are coaching like a game of golf or go down the boozer. I want to do normal things that you can’t really do when you’re coaching, so I am all good. I’m good and stress free. I’m out of work in terms of the coaching and management, which is obviously 24/7.”
However, it now looks as if the attacking 4-3-3 boss is willing to return to the dugout ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Steven Gerrard ready for return to management with Rangers keen
Talking to EFL Analysis, reporter Graeme Bailey provided an update on Southampton’s search for a new manager. One of the Saints’ targets is Gerrard, and Bailey added that he is also on “Rangers’ list”, with the ex-Ibrox boss now “ready to return to the UK”.
“Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are both on Southampton’s final shortlist to be their new manager. The two England legends have been on Southampton’s radar for the last few weeks and both are in their sights.
“Lampard only took over at Coventry earlier this season, but has impressed in his short time with the club and it is believed Southampton would be an option he would consider.
“Gerrard, who is on Rangers’ list to return to Ibrox, is out of work following his stint in Saudi Arabia and is ready to return to the UK – we understand.”
Games
192
Wins
124
Draws
41
Losses
27
Players used
65
Average goals scored per game
2.12
Average goals conceded per game
0.72
The former Liverpool midfielder guided Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title back in 2021, their first since 2011, so it is easy to see why the 49ers have their eye on Gerrard, and a move looks like one to watch following this update.