Ally McCoist has told TalkSPORT (Monday, 8.50AM) that he think the “ship has sailed” for Steven Gerrard to return to Rangers as manager, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst under pressure at Ibrox. Gerrard was replaced by van Bronckhorst.
Gerrard left Rangers to join Villa just under a year ago. But the Liverpool legend has since been sacked by the Midlands club. The decision was made all the better, after beating Brentford 4-0 in the first game following Gerrard’s exit.
Meanwhile, van Bronckhorst watched his side stutter to a point at home to Livingston on Saturday. Rangers sit four points behind Celtic after 11 Premiership matches, failing to secure a single point in four Champions League games.
Rangers legend McCoist was asked about the pressure on van Bronckhorst, and whether Gerrard could return to Ibrox. He reacted by saying that he does not think Gerrard would return, with his exit leaving a “bad taste” in fans’ mouths.
“He’s under pressure because the last three games have been really poor. I wouldn’t have Gerrard back. That ship has sailed. Fans would be split on that one, which might surprise you. There’s a bad taste the way it ended,” McCoist said.
McCoist: Ship has sailed for Gerrard to return to Rangers
McCoist is right. While there is huge pressure on van Bronckhorst, there is surely no chance that the Ibrox club return for Gerrard. The gaffer will be remembered for delivering the title, and establishing Rangers as a European force.
But things ended badly and Rangers were in poor form when he left for Villa. Even if he was to return, he would be without Michael Beale – the man who many consider to be crucial to Gerrard. He is shining as manager of QPR.
If van Bronckhorst is relieved of his duties sooner rather than later, Gerrard is likely to be high in terms of odds. But the chances of him actually returning to Ibrox as manager seems very unlikely. Van Bronckhorst remains as boss, for now.
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