Phil Thompson backs Gary McAllister for Rangers assistant job

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Glasgow Rangers are reportedly closing in on bringing Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister to Ibrox.

Phil Thompson has told the Daily Mail that he cannot think of a better person to be Steven Gerrard’s assistant manager if he takes the Rangers job than Gary McAllister as talks continue between the Gers and the Englishman.

The Daily Star recently reported that a three-year deal had been agreed between Gerrard and the Light Blues, and that McAllister would follow the Liverpool under-18 boss to Ibrox as his number two.

It appears to be a huge gamble for Rangers and Gerrard given that the Gers’ current situation in the Scottish Premiership and the legendary midfielder’s inexperience in the dugout. But Thompson has suggested that the appointment of McAllister could be a masterstroke.

“He must have clarity on what funding is there and he needs a good assistant. Not just a ‘yes man’ but someone he can trust for advice and I think Gary McAllister would fit that role,” he told the Daily Mail.

“We often reflect on other great players like Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore going into management, but did they have the right assistants? McAllister will be a great sounding board for Steven and be honest when things are wrong.

“When Gerard Houllier asked me to go with him to Aston Villa as his No 2 I couldn’t do it but I recommended Gary McAllister as I couldn’t think of anyone better suited.”

McAllister is much more experienced in a backroom staff capacity than Gerrard having managed the likes of Coventry City and Leeds United. And while neither compared to Rangers while he was attached to them, there was still a huge level of expectation in each job given the levels that they were at.

That should stand him in good stead if the pair do head to Ibrox. In fairness however, the one aspect of the job that Gerrard will undoubtedly understand is the amount of pressure that will be on his shoulders given that he was Liverpool’s talisman for well over a decade, and in that time, there were situations where he seemingly had to carry what appeared to be more lacklustre Reds sides.

But McAllister’s presence will surely boost Gerrard’s ability to learn quickly, and Thompson appears to be more than confident that if any assistant could be capable of turning Stevie G into an Ibrox success story, it is the 53-year-old.