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Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Steven Gerrard truly became Rangers boss with golden words in France but second coming raises big questions
The sun was splitting the sky in Fos-sur-Mer this Friday night. It was typical weather for the south of France and a few pasty-faced Scottish journalists were desperate for a bit of shade. But that wasn't an option. Not until we got inside the Stade Parsemain, one of the venues for the 2018 Toulon Tournament. And certainly not until we'd got a glimpse of the man we were there to see. Suddenly, he emerged. Shades on, white t-shirt glistening, Steven Gerrard was here. It was effectively his first day as Rangers manager. Friday 1 June. But instead of being in Govan, he was 30 miles from Marseille and watching England's U20's v Qatar. Gerrard was barely recognised by anyone in the tiny crowd who were there. In the stands, he sat with Peter Schmeichel and others who were on the same FA Pro Licence course as the new Ibrox gaffer. His old England pals, Frank Lampard and Jody Morris, weren't far away either as they scouted players for their club, Derby County. But our job was to get a word with Gerrard. When we'd got wind of his arrival outside, we scampered to follow him in. Then we had to pluck up the courage to go and ask this legend of the game if he'd speak to us. But, like most of his interviews over the next four years in Glasgow, his words were golden. We had articles in the bag for the daily newspapers AND the Sunday editions. He gave us everything we needed. For that 10 minutes or so, Gerrard was as compelling as he'd been a month previously at his unveiling in Ibrox's blue room. He'd turned up with a clenched fist and a glint in his eye - immediately captivating a Rangers support desperate for a hero. Someone to lead them out of the abyss and topple Celtic. And at that time, Gerrard had fire in his belly. He was a fresh-faced coach, hungry to succeed as a manager at a big club. You could sense it in France that day. He was ready to go. Now, here we are again. Scrambling around, trying to hunt him down, even if the Glasgow sun isn't as hot as Fos-sur-Mer. Gerrard has been heavily linked with a sensational return to Ibrox as boss. Is it the right move? With a guy like him, a superstar who achieved miraculous things as a player - it's dangerous to ever question or under-estimate his desire. But the question now, and the one Rangers' new owners and hierarchy will have asked themselves, is if it will be the same Gerrard second time around. Maybe it will be. Maybe now is his time to right the wrongs of that hasty exit to Aston Villa in 2021. Maybe after being battle-scarred in Birmingham and having a stint in Saudi, Gerrard feels Glasgow can be the spark again as it was in 2018. If that's the case, why wouldn't you give him the job? He ticks a lot of the boxes fans wanted ticked. Gerrard knows the Scottish game now. He understands Rangers as a club, in terms of the pressure, demands and intensity. He won't be fazed by going up against Brendan Rodgers. And crucially, he knows what it takes to win here. Because whatever happens, he'll forever be remembered by supporters as the man who delivered 55 and stopped the 10. If he's still got that same thirst for success and burning determination to get Rangers back on top again - let's go, as he once said. But if he doesn't? If he's lost any of that insatiable appetite to succeed, it might not be the job for him. Remember, when he arrived here seven years ago the level of expectation was low at Ibrox. Gerrard was allowed the time to put building blocks in place. To mould a squad in his image. To gradually restore their reputation in Europe and to - eventually - become champions again at the third time of asking. It's a different ball game at Gers now. Of course, there's optimism and excitement around the prospective American takeover. That might fuel Gerrard to jump in again. But his feet won't touch the floor this time. Supporters want to win NOW. They're already four-in-a-row behind Celtic, who have upwards of £70 million cash reserves in the bank, with potentially more to come via the Champions League. And Rodgers has them purring again. So it would be a massive challenge facing Gerrard if he's the one who ends up in the hot seat. The current squad needs to be completely overhauled. There's a European qualifier in just four weeks time. He would need proper backing from 49ers Enterprises, as well as the support of a new-look backroom team. I'm sure the fans would flock to Ibrox for his second coming if it happens. And this summer, just like at that Toulon Tournament, we'd be chasing him around, hanging on his every word. There's no doubt Gerrard would talk the talk again. Whether he's the same guy who can walk the walk by stopping Celtic and wrestling the title back to Ibrox? That's another thing altogether.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Former Premier League manager Aidy Boothroyd reveals Parkinson's diagnosis
Former Premier League and England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 54-year-old, who led Watford to Championship play-off glory in 2006, shared that he received the diagnosis three years ago during a routine health assessment by the League Manager's Association (LMA). He has continued to manage in the time since being diagnosed, most recently taking charge of Indian Super League side Jamshedpur for the 2022/23 season. "The news came as a massive shock to me," said Boothroyd in a statement to the LMA. "It has taken me time to feel ready to share my diagnosis, and I have found it difficult not being completely open with people. "Personally, my passion and love for coaching is as strong as ever, I am focusing on keeping physically fit, which is key to slowing down the progression of Parkinson's. "I am ready to start the next chapter in my life. I would like to thank the LMA and Parkinson's UK for their support." Boothroyd is most famed for his spell at Watford during 2005 and 2008, taking charge of their foray to the Premier League in 2006/07, a season which also saw them reach the FA Cup semi-final. He also worked within the England setup for a number of the country's youth teams, notably leading the England U21s to Toulon Tournament success in 2018. The ex-defender, who bounced around the Football League during his playing days at the likes of Mansfield Town, Huddersfield Town and Peterborough United, also enjoyed managerial stints at Colchester United, Coventry City and Northampton Town. "Aidy has displayed incredible positivity, resolve and determination since his Parkinson's diagnosis three years ago,' LMA CEO Richard Bevan said. 'His passion for football and people drives him on and he continues to play an active role in the LMA, as an almost ever-present senior member at our events and educational sessions. "We care deeply for all our members, and Aidy's attitude since his diagnosis has been an inspiration to our entire team as we continue to support him and his family throughout this unexpected and challenging time." Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain and the nervous system. Affecting nearly 10million people worldwide and over 150,000 in the UK alone, there is no cure or treatment to slow or stop the disease. Parkinson's UK CEO Caroline Rassell added: "Everyone at Parkinson's UK, sends Aidy Boothroyd our best wishes and thanks him for raising awareness of Parkinson's by publicly sharing his diagnosis. "With more than 40 symptoms, Parkinson's is unpredictable and undoubtedly introduces new challenges, but with the right support and staying active for 2.5 hours a week people can take control of their lives. "Aidy is now part of a community of 153,000 people in the UK who live with Parkinson's along with the millions of loved ones who support them. We are here to support them all. "A public Parkinson's diagnosis often encourages people to think about their own health and we would encourage anyone concerned about symptoms to speak to their GP, visit or call the Parkinson's UK confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303."
The Independent
26-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Former Premier League manager Aidy Boothroyd reveals Parkinson's diagnosis
Former Premier League and England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 54-year-old, who led Watford to Championship play-off glory in 2006, shared that he received the diagnosis three years ago during a routine health assessment by the League Manager's Association (LMA). He has continued to manage in the time since being diagnosed, most recently taking charge of Indian Super League side Jamshedpur for the 2022/23 season. "The news came as a massive shock to me," said Boothroyd in a statement to the LMA. "It has taken me time to feel ready to share my diagnosis, and I have found it difficult not being completely open with people. "Personally, my passion and love for coaching is as strong as ever, I am focusing on keeping physically fit, which is key to slowing down the progression of Parkinson's. "I am ready to start the next chapter in my life. I would like to thank the LMA and Parkinson's UK for their support." Boothroyd is most famed for his spell at Watford during 2005 and 2008, taking charge of their foray to the Premier League in 2006/07, a season which also saw them reach the FA Cup semi-final. He also worked within the England setup for a number of the country's youth teams, notably leading the England U21s to Toulon Tournament success in 2018. The ex-defender, who bounced around the Football League during his playing days at the likes of Mansfield Town, Huddersfield Town and Peterborough United, also enjoyed managerial stints at Colchester United, Coventry City and Northampton Town. "Aidy has displayed incredible positivity, resolve and determination since his Parkinson's diagnosis three years ago,' LMA CEO Richard Bevan said. 'His passion for football and people drives him on and he continues to play an active role in the LMA, as an almost ever-present senior member at our events and educational sessions. "We care deeply for all our members, and Aidy's attitude since his diagnosis has been an inspiration to our entire team as we continue to support him and his family throughout this unexpected and challenging time." Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain and the nervous system. Affecting nearly 10million people worldwide and over 150,000 in the UK alone, there is no cure or treatment to slow or stop the disease. Parkinson's UK CEO Caroline Rassell added: "Everyone at Parkinson's UK, sends Aidy Boothroyd our best wishes and thanks him for raising awareness of Parkinson's by publicly sharing his diagnosis. "With more than 40 symptoms, Parkinson's is unpredictable and undoubtedly introduces new challenges, but with the right support and staying active for 2.5 hours a week people can take control of their lives. "Aidy is now part of a community of 153,000 people in the UK who live with Parkinson's along with the millions of loved ones who support them. We are here to support them all. "A public Parkinson's diagnosis often encourages people to think about their own health and we would encourage anyone concerned about symptoms to speak to their GP, visit or call the Parkinson's UK confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303."
