# Growing Murmurs: Rangers Set to Announce New Manager as Steven Gerrard Fallout Verdict Emerges
The air at Ibrox is thick with anticipation. Just four days after sacking Russell Martin following a dismal 1-1 draw with Falkirk—leaving Rangers 11 points adrift in the Scottish Premiership—whispers of a seismic return have turned into a roar. Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool legend who ended Celtic’s nine-year dominance in 2021, is on the cusp of reclaiming his throne. Sources close to the club confirm an announcement could come as early as Friday, with Gerrard in London today for final talks with American owners Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe.
Martin’s tenure was a catastrophe. Appointed in June amid high hopes, the former Southampton boss won just one of his first seven league games, including a humiliating 2-0 home loss to Hearts. With the club hemorrhaging fan support and languishing nine points behind rivals Celtic, the board acted swiftly. “Results have not met expectations,” read the terse statement, departing from a pattern of prolonged managerial agony under predecessors like Philippe Clement and Michael Beale.
Enter Gerrard. The 45-year-old, out of work since a mutual exit from Saudi side Al-Ettifaq in January 2025, is “jumping at the chance” to return, per insiders. His Rangers spell from 2018-2021 was transformative: an unbeaten league season, Europa League progress, and cult-hero status among the ultras. Yet, the “fallout verdict” from his departure remains divisive. Ex-chairman Dave King insists Gerrard was “kicked out” against his will to facilitate the Aston Villa move, claiming internal politics forced his hand. Gerrard himself has stayed silent, but allies say he harbors no bitterness, viewing Ibrox as unfinished business.
Rival candidates like Hearts’ Derek McInnes have withdrawn, committing long-term to Tynecastle, clearing Gerrard’s path. Names like Danny Rohl and Kevin Muscat linger, but Gerrard’s pedigree—and the nostalgia boost—tips the scales. On X, Bears are buzzing: banners mock “Slippy G,” while legends like Barry Ferguson endorse a homecoming.
Critics, including Celtic diehards, scoff at Gerrard’s post-Rangers flops: sacked from Villa after 11 months, a middling Saudi stint. “One trophy in nine seasons,” they jeer. But for Rangers, desperate to reclaim Old Firm glory, Gerrard represents redemption. If the deal seals, expect fireworks. The Light Blues need a superhero, as ex-striker Kemar Roofe put it—and Stevie G fits the cape.
As talks conclude, one truth endures: Gerrard’s return isn’t just a hire; it’s resurrection. Will it heal old wounds or reopen them? Ibrox holds its breath.
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