Ally McCoist responds when asked if Steven Gerrard could return to Rangers

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Ally McCoist has told TalkSPORT that he does not believe Steven Gerrard will return to Rangers given the anger aimed at the manager following his move to Aston Villa in 2021 – but says he remains “open-minded” about the next boss.

Rangers are looking for a manager after sacking Giovanni van Bronckhorst on Monday. The Dutchman leaves Rangers with no European football after Christmas, and sitting a whole nine points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic in the League.

Gerrard is also out of work after his time at Aston Villa lasted less than a year. He has been replaced by Unai Emery at the Midlands club. Of course, he is one of the managers being linked with a return to Rangers to fill the vacant spot.

But McCoist quickly diminished any chance of Gerrard considering a return to Ibrox. The Gers legend agrees with Graeme Souness, suggesting that the feeling among Rangers fans is somewhat angry towards Gerrard for his exit.

“I am pretty open minded, I’m eager and keen to find out who the replacement will be. I don’t think that will happen (Gerrard return). Wouldn’t say burnt bridges, far from it,” McCoist has told TalkSPORT, when asked about Gerrard.

“The vast majority of the Rangers support were delighted with the job he did winning that big title. But I think there is one or two who are not happy the way it ended. I think it would be tough to come back from that.”

McCoist does not believe Gerrard will return to Rangers

He is right. It seems incredibly unlikely, from both parties, to show any interest. Rangers will want a change and bringing him back to Ibrox will only strengthen the anger towards Gerrard following his instant exit to Villa.

For the man himself, he may feel he has been there and done it at Rangers – and would prefer a job in the Premier League. However, after his poor stint at Villa, you would argue that might be somewhat tricky to obtain.

The favourites to take over the role as Rangers manager include one of his understudies at Rangers in Michael Beale. Sean Dyche is also a contender – while Gerardo Seoane, Peter Bosz and other European managers have been linked.