On this day in 2018: Rangers introduce new manager Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard was introduced as the new manager of the Rangers, on this day in 2018.

Gerrard would not take up the role until June 1, as he finished the season with Liverpool’s academy, but said it was a “no brainer” to take on his first management role with the Glasgow giants.

The former England midfielder replaced Graeme Murty, who had been sacked three days earlier following a 5-0 loss to reigning Scottish champions Celtic.

Murty had taken over on an interim basis after the departure of Pedro Caixinha the previous October, agreeing to a deal until the end of the season in December.

Gerrard’s task was clear: to return Rangers to the level necessary to regain the Scottish crown that Celtic had just won for the seventh consecutive season.

Gerrard’s former Liverpool team-mate Gary McAllister joined as his assistant, while Michael Beale followed him from the Liverpool academy to become part of the backroom staff.

Over the next three and a half years, Gerrard succeeded in many of the goals he started with.

In his first season, he guided Rangers to the Europa League group stage for the first time in seven years and delivered a first Old Firm win for six years, though Celtic would claim an eighth successive league title nonetheless.

There was further improvement in the second campaign when they reached the Europa League round of 16 and recorded a first win at Parkhead in eight years, but beating Celtic to the title would have to wait until the third season, which began behind closed doors. . amid the coronavirus pandemic.

When the time came, Gerrard’s league-winning season was excellent. Gers finished the league campaign unbeaten, winning three Old Firm derbies. They accumulated 102 points and conceded just 13 goals.

It would be Gerrard’s last full season in charge, as Aston Villa recalled him the following November, luring him in at a time when his team were once again top of the table.

Gerrard was unable to replicate his Premier League success and was sacked early in his second campaign after less than a year in charge, but his time at Ibrox is still fondly remembered in the Glasgow half.