It appears Rangers might be considering a return to familiar territory in an effort to halt Celtic’s dominance at the top of Scottish football.
The 2024/25 Premiership campaign wrapped up with Celtic once again lifting the trophy, marking their fourth consecutive title and their 14th in the last 15 seasons. Rangers, meanwhile, were left in second place once again, and have since seen interim manager Barry Ferguson depart, following the earlier sacking of Philippe Clement.
Now, reports suggest Steven Gerrard could make a dramatic return to Ibrox. Gerrard, who remains the last manager to deliver a league title to Rangers, also only managed to secure one major honour during his time in Glasgow.
Celtic, in stark contrast, continue to thrive under the returning Brendan Rodgers, who is now eyeing another domestic Treble ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen.
Simon Jordan weighs in on Gerrard vs Rodgers
talkSPORT pundit and former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan believes Rangers are unlikely to challenge Celtic from the dugout while Rodgers is in charge. He suggested that while Gerrard’s return might have commercial and sentimental appeal, it wouldn’t necessarily close the competitive gap.
“There’s a certain glamour about bringing Gerrard back,” Jordan said. “It’s a move that would likely attract the American investors, because he’s a marketable figure and the last Rangers manager to win anything of note in the SPFL.
“But I don’t think Gerrard can match Rodgers tactically or in terms of managerial quality. While Rangers might have the financial ability to catch up eventually, bridging the gap in terms of coaching quality is another matter entirely.”
He added: “Even if Gerrard ticks all the boxes for the incoming owners or pleases the fans, if he can’t deliver the Premiership title, nothing else really matters.”
Comparing managerial records: Rodgers vs Gerrard
When it comes to silverware, the comparison is stark. Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Celtic across both of his tenures, winning the league in every full season he’s managed the club and securing multiple domestic Trebles. Gerrard, on the other hand, delivered just one league title during his three-and-a-half years at Rangers.
Celtic fans are likely to welcome Gerrard’s return, viewing him as a less threatening presence compared to Rodgers’ consistent dominance.
As Rangers ponder their next managerial move, it’s clear that whoever takes the reins will face enormous pressure to end Celtic’s stronghold on Scottish football—and simply putting a familiar face in the dugout may not be enough.
