Ex team mate spots 'opportunity' for Steven Gerrard to make blockbuster Rangers return but it comes with a warning

-Credit: (Image: Rangers FC/PA Images)
-Credit: (Image: Rangers FC/PA Images)


A former team-mate of Steven Gerrard senses there will be an opportunity for the former Rangers boss to secure a stunning return to the Ibrox hotseat.

Paul Robinson played with the Liverpool legend in the same England team and is utterly convinced Gerrard would be welcomed back with open arms in the future. Gerrard's legacy over his three years in Glasgow been the subject of debate in recent weeks with fans lamenting their record against Celtic since the 43-year-old left for Aston Villa in October 2021. Gerrard – now in charge of Saudi Pro League Al-Ettifaq – boasted a return of eight wins in 13 games against his side's biggest rivals and won the title by 25 points in his final full season at the helm.

And that's why the former Leeds United standout is certain that Gerrard's return would be heralded. Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson said: “They always say never go back, don’t they? And with Steven, think the legacy that he left, I think he did a great job there, I really do. I think there would be an opportunity there for him to go back, it would be a brilliant hire and the fans would love it, but I think it would be a very different Rangers to the one he took over."

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Current boss Philippe Clement is winless in five games against Celtic but the Belgian remains utterly convinced he is the man to turn things around at Ibrox. Rangers haven't had their problems to seek this season as they haven't kicked a ball at Ibrox due to upgrades and trail Brendan Rodgers' side by five points after the pasting they suffered at Parkhead.

And Robinson us acutely aware of the pitfalls of being second best in Glasgow. He added: "The squad is obviously very different under Clement, regardless of how you get on against everyone else, it’s how far you fall behind the boys across the city. Missing out on the Champions League, their performances against Celtic, yes they got beat 3-0 but they were still in the game. Brendan Rodgers’ record in Old Firm derbies is great, and I think that’s where they’re going to get judged.

“At the moment, Rangers’ forward players are not as good as Celtic’s forward players and I think that’s where they’re falling behind. You look at what they’ve spent over the last year, you compare what they’ve spent to what Celtic have spent, you compare the two bank balances, the gap is widening. That’s worrying for Rangers fans. When Clement first came in, they went on that unbeaten run of wins and I think he did a really good job.

"I think to an extent his hands have been tied with the players that he has lost off the field and his style of play. There is a bit of a disjointed feeling among the club and supporters at the moment, playing at Hampden Park hasn’t really worked out for them, thankfully they’re back at Ibrox. “All of their Europa League games will be at Ibrox which is huge for the supporters. I think it’s a little bit early to talk about his job, but I think the next Old Firm is key.”