Ally McCoist Backs the English man for the Rangers job among the five shortlisted managers
Rangers icon Ally McCoist has thrown his weight behind Steven Gerrard as the prime candidate to take over the managerial role at Ibrox, claiming the former Liverpool star could lead Rangers to triumph over arch-rivals Celtic with ease. McCoist’s endorsement comes as Rangers struggle in the 2024/2025 Scottish Premiership, trailing Celtic by 13 points and reeling from a shock Scottish Cup defeat to Queen’s Park. With Barry Ferguson as interim manager, McCoist believes Gerrard’s return could spark a resurgence, allowing Rangers to overtake Celtic, who have dominated Scottish football in recent seasons.
Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist lauded Gerrard’s transformative tenure at Rangers, where he clinched the 2020/2021 Premiership title—ending Celtic’s nine-year reign—with an unbeaten league campaign. “Steven Gerrard would come into the equation, obviously because of his success,” McCoist said, emphasizing the 44-year-old’s hunger to rebuild his managerial reputation after mixed spells at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq. Gerrard’s 2021 exit to Villa left some fans divided, but McCoist insists his legacy at Ibrox remains strong. “It wouldn’t surprise me if Steven came back. His next job is crucial, and Rangers could be the perfect fit,” he added.
McCoist’s claim that Gerrard could help Rangers surpass Celtic is rooted in the latter’s current vulnerabilities and Gerrard’s proven ability to outmaneuver them. Celtic, despite their lead, have shown inconsistency, dropping points in recent matches and facing fan discontent over their transfer strategy. McCoist argues that Gerrard’s tactical nous, demonstrated through Rangers’ Europa League heroics and domestic dominance, could exploit these weaknesses. A supercomputer’s prediction of Leeds United finishing 14th with 43 points in the 2025/2026 Premier League provides context for Rangers’ potential—if Gerrard delivers a title, their stature could eclipse mid-table Premier League sides like Leeds, reinforcing their dominance over Celtic.
Gerrard’s familiarity with Rangers’ high-pressure environment makes him ideal to address the squad’s current frailties, which McCoist described as “weak” and “damaged” after a loss to St Mirren. His 4-3-3 system previously overwhelmed Celtic, and McCoist believes it could again disrupt their rhythm, particularly if Gerrard secures key signings. “Rangers are a massive club, and Steven knows how to beat Celtic,” McCoist noted, envisioning a revitalized Rangers reclaiming the title.
Challenges loom, however. McCoist acknowledged Rangers’ off-field turmoil, including the absence of a permanent chairman or director of football, which could hinder Gerrard’s return. Tax complications from his Al-Ettifaq stint may also require Gerrard to remain abroad, though McCoist remains hopeful. If these obstacles are overcome, Gerrard’s appointment could ignite a Rangers revival, positioning them to dethrone Celtic and restore their Scottish supremacy. As McCoist put it, “Steven has a point to prove, and he knows the club inside out.” Rangers fans now wait to see if Gerrard will return to lead them past their fiercest rivals.
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Sources: Web IDs 1, 2, 3
Sources: Web IDs 1, 2, 3
