EXCLUSIVE Steven Gerrard poised to return for second spell as Rangers manager
STEVEN GERRARD could be poised to make a stunning return to Rangers as the club's search for a new manager reaches its final stages.
The club have stepped up their hunt for a new manager after announcing on Sunday that interim boss Barry Ferguson had departed.
Gerrard features on a shortlist of names alongside Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin, with Rangers keen to get their new man in as quickly as possible ahead of pre-season starting on June 23.
The recruitment process is being led by new sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart, with Gretar Steinsson of 49ers Enterprises also having a level of input.
Whilst Ancelotti's name emerged as a shock contender last week, Mail Sport understands that there is a growing preference at Ibrox for the new manager to have frontline managerial experience.
It is believed that Gerrard's name has now been identified as the preferred candidate and the man to lead the club forward once the US takeover is finalised.
The former Liverpool and England icon spent three years as Rangers boss between 2018-2021, winning a league title along the way, before leaving to join Aston Villa.
His reign at Villa was short-lived and unsuccessful, before he moved on to manage Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League for almost two years.
Gerrard left Al-Ettifaq back in January and Mail Sport understands that he was initially sounded out about a possible Ibrox return as far back as February when Philippe Clement was sacked.
But Gerrard made it clear that he wanted to take a break from the game after his stint in Saudi and expressed a preference that his new job would come with a fresh start in the summer.
He is now understood to be under serious consideration for the Rangers vacancy, with his experience and profile being key factors.
Speaking on Sunday, Ibrox chief executive Stewart hoped that the club would be able to finalise their recruitment process fairly swiftly.
Thanking Ferguson and his staff for their efforts, Stewart said: 'The club, and I am sure all our supporters, will be forever grateful to Barry for stepping up and taking on the role of head coach.
'He and his staff have performed admirably amongst some trying circumstances and achieved some excellent results along the way.
'Barry, Neil (McCann), Billy (Dodds) and Allan (McGregor) all had distinguished playing careers with Rangers, and they have all enhanced their standing with the club for their work since February.
'The reception they received at Ibrox on Wednesday night was fully merited, and I know meant so much to Barry and his team.
'The search for our new head coach is progressing well, and we look forward to concluding our process in the coming period.'
Meanwhile, Rangers have vowed to defend club legend John Brown if he faces any SFA charge for comments made on Rangers TV.
Brown was co-commentating for Rangers' 2-2 draw with Hibs on Saturday and reacted with astonishment after Nicolas Raskin's effort was ruled to not have crossed the line despite TV pictures showing it had.
Brown said: 'I would say it is corrupt', with commentator Tom Miller replying: 'Well, I'm not sure we can actually say that', before Brown continued: 'Well, I am saying it.'
Brown could face action from the SFA, who believe that the comments warrant a punishment under article 29.2 of the governing bodies' rule book.
In response to reports the SFA are reviewing Brown's comments a Rangers spokesperson said: 'In a season where Rangers have been on the receiving end of several major officiating errors, frustration is entirely understandable.
'The idea that spontaneous remarks could warrant disciplinary action is excessive, surprising and inconsistent.
'This development should not overshadow what was a clear mistake, evident to anyone who has seen the footage of the game.
'The focus should be on raising refereeing standards for the good of Scottish football.
'Should a charge follow, we will defend it, and question whether club channels across the league are being monitored and policed equally.'
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