Gretar Steinsson Brings Fierce Determination to Key Rangers Role, Says Former Boss Owen Coyle
Gretar Steinsson’s competitive edge on the pitch is mirrored in his approach off it, according to his former manager Owen Coyle, who believes the Icelandic former defender will bring that same uncompromising attitude to his new role in helping appoint Rangers’ next manager.
Steinsson is set to play a pivotal role in shaping Rangers’ future as he steps into a key technical director role under 49ers Enterprises, who are preparing for a full takeover at Ibrox. His experience in a similar position at Leeds United, where he impressed, has earned him a central place alongside incoming sporting director Kevin Thelwell in identifying and selecting the next manager.
Coyle, who managed Steinsson at Bolton Wanderers over a decade ago, recalled a telling example of the former right-back’s relentless nature—an aggressive challenge on Gareth Bale during a Premier League clash with Tottenham that left the Spurs bench fuming.
Speaking to The Scottish Sun, Coyle said: “We went to play Spurs just days after they’d destroyed Inter Milan in the Champions League. Bale was on fire, so we showed Gretar some clips to prepare him. He thrived on that kind of challenge.”
“We beat Spurs 4-2, Gretar scored, and early on he went in hard on Bale—just to let him know he wasn’t going to have it easy. Joe Jordan and their coaching staff were raging. But that’s the kind of competitor Gretar is—nothing rattled him.”
Coyle believes that same grit and clarity of purpose will be vital in Steinsson’s new executive role at Rangers. With European qualifiers looming shortly after the season ends, decisions will have to come quickly, and Coyle is confident Steinsson is already working behind the scenes.
“These are exciting times at Rangers and knowing Gretar, he’ll already be making moves in the background,” he said. “He’s a team-first kind of guy. At Bolton, he was respected by everyone—dependable, determined, and with real leadership qualities.”
Coyle also hinted that Steinsson’s choice for the next Rangers boss may not come from abroad, suggesting Barry Ferguson deserves serious consideration for the job. Ferguson, who has stepped in during a turbulent time for the club, has impressed with his leadership and ability to lift the team, particularly during their European campaign.
“Barry’s done really well under tough circumstances. He inherited a flawed side but got them believing again. The Bilbao tie could’ve gone differently with a bit more luck. He’s shown he has the drive, understanding, and connection to the club—he deserves to be part of the conversation.”
Coyle concluded by saying Steinsson’s ability to make firm decisions and his deep understanding of football operations will be invaluable during this crucial transition for Rangers.
