Outgoing Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has left the Ibrox support torn following his exit to Aston Villa and his first interview with the club hasn’t helped matters.
The Liverpool legend is back in the Premier League with the Birmingham outfit but the nature of his exit has left a sour taste in the mouth of plenty of Rangers supporters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAuczwF2-ac
Only a matter of weeks before Gerrard jumped ship he was proclaiming his happiness at Ibrox and – rather uncouthly – swatting off questions from journalists.
Every time the thought of Gerrard going to Villa starts to creep in; remember this interview. pic.twitter.com/dbl4tuyQ87
— Rampant Ryan Jack 🇿🇲 (@RampantRyanJack) November 9, 2021
But by the manager’s own admission – in his first official on-camera interview since joining Aston Villa – everything happened so quickly.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
“It was crazy and it was very quick,” said Gerrard [Aston Villa TV].
“I was first aware of Aston Villa’s interest on the Wednesday, I had a call from my representation.
“And when the phone call sunk in, I wanted this to happen very quickly because, first and foremost, the opportunity was too big.
“From there, it happened really, really quickly. Credit to Aston Villa, the speed they got things done and not just with me, but with my staff that I’m bringing with me as well.
“But I must also pay respect to Rangers, they were very professional in the deals as well.
“It was very crazy, very quick but when you’re in that situation that’s what you want to happen.
“The last thing you want is for it to drag out because you want to get in as quick as you can and start working as fast as you can.”
Steven Gerrard took Aston Villa training for the first time this week and gave an interview to the club’s media. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Gerrard, 41, might’ve helped rebuild the Ibrox side and there is no doubt the club is in a better place than when Stevie G joined. With a title in the bag, the manager’s contribution was monumental.
But the nature of Gerrard’s exit and the conversation surrounding life at Rangers has fans a tad salty over the manager’s decision to quit Ibrox, something made worse by the notion he couldn’t get out of Ibrox quick enough.
These quotes suggest that Gerrard jumped wen the Villa opportunity reared its head and – unsurprisingly – the interview hasn’t gone down great with Gers fans:
https://twitter.com/tony18722021/status/1460263588417916934
I’m back on the market for a Birmingham top. Anymore flash sales @classicshirts ? https://t.co/sjjL7L5sxX
— Div (@sharpdiv7) November 15, 2021
Embarrassing. https://t.co/fxQsJQjHqq
— LH72 (@LH1872) November 15, 2021
My opinion has changed since last week, hope Villa get relegated and your managing in the championship when it could have been the champions league https://t.co/azi4mfJdrk
— AldoM (@AllanMilligan) November 15, 2021
They say there’s a fine line between love and hate. Never have I felt that so clearly than now. This time last week I idolised this man, and today I cannot listen to his voice. 🤯 https://t.co/iH7DUza16c
— Kenny Faulds (@FauldsKenneth) November 15, 2021
https://twitter.com/divrome/status/1460202127779930122
Opportunity was too big. It’s not everyday yi get the chance for a relegation battle.
— David McClure (@McClure1872) November 15, 2021
— Douglas Moore (@shoogs4) November 15, 2021
its a "good" opportunity but don't buy into this "these chances don't come round often" villa have had 8 mangers in 10 years and 5 epl mangers have been scared already and it's only Nov. Epl jobs come round all the time. Had he gone end of last season or this one then OK
— Aaron R (@AaronRo85) November 15, 2021
He left with my best wishes and I wished him good luck. But listening to this interview leaves a bitter taste. He knew about prospect of becoming Villa manager 2-3 weeks before he was appointed anaw.
— Stephen G (@Shakeybaby90) November 15, 2021
When you get dumped do u wish them all the best in future relationships? No.
Thanks for the memories Stevie but couldn't care less if you crash and burn at Villa.
Stinking timing and a distinct lack of loyalty and appreciation for how Rangers gave him the time to succeed.— Matt⚡️Honda ™ (@uberhonda) November 15, 2021
I thank Steven Gerrard for his efforts.. He brought pride back to our club. But. This is the second management team who have ran away from our club in recent years in a terrible manner.. They disrespected our club.
— CHARLIE MURDOCH 🇬🇧🏴 (@murdoch_charles) November 15, 2021
“The opportunity was too big” – aye, relegation battle jobs in the premier league are once in a generation occurrences, it’s not like they come up every couple months as soon as manager loses 4 or 5 games… 🙄
— Free Andy Firth (@FreeFirth) November 15, 2021
https://twitter.com/boxing_rugby/status/1460205456681578499
Looks happy. Settled.
— Thunder Butter (@thunder_butter) November 15, 2021
https://twitter.com/iankennedy29/status/1460206927049285632
It's the smugness of it all….
— 55tuart🇬🇧 (@Stu_G_1872) November 15, 2021
There’s still been no real explanation for supporters and whilst this is an AVTV interview there’s something to be said for how quick Steven Gerrard is eager to move on from Ibrox.
For a group of supporters who idolised him – and are fundamentally grateful for the job him and his staff did – it’s beginning to look like a strange way to treat them.
The search goes on for a new manager with one former Rangers player making an admission over the manager’s job over the weekend.