Rangers boss Steven Gerrard might’ve won the club’s first league title in a decade, but according to the Greatest Ever Ranger John Greig, it’s not just in securing the silverware that Stevie G has delivered for the Ibrox club.
Greig believes Gerrard has restored “respect” for the Gers at home and abroad, something which the former Rangers captain and manager believes places Stevie G amongst the club’s greatest ever figures.
Speaking ahead of the club’s weekend friendly with Real Madrid – with John Greig playing the last time the two teams met in 1963 – the Ibrox legend made clear his thoughts on Gerrard’s contribution.
Greig opened up on his experience with Real Madrid in the 60s, the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations and the role of Steven Gerrard in restoring the Gers to former glories.
“It’s difficult for me to put into words because I’m very proud and I feel honoured to be here at this stage in the club’s history,” said Greig [Rangers].
“I think the next year will be very, very important because it’s good too look back and think we’ve got a good team just now but this club is an institution.
“There have been some great players, managers and chairmen of the club going through that 150 years.
“I think it would be nice to pause for a second during the next year and think back to some of the famous names that have walked through the door – because they’ve all helped to make this club what it is.
“Nobody more so than Steven.
“As I said to him a few weeks ago, winning the league championship here after all these years wasn’t just great for winning the championship.
“I think what he did, after the previous 10 years we had at this club, it gave this club back a lot of respect. Both at home and abroad.
“I think that’s important because we are a big club, we had a good name in Europe, and hopefully we’re resurrecting it now.”
As far as commendations come at Ibrox Stadium, you don’t’ get higher than that of John Greig and if anyone has laid bare the depth of Steven Gerrard’s achievements so far it’s Rangers legend.
Rangers have established themselves as a solid side on the European stage whilst the club has dramatically overtaken rivals Celtic on domestic soil.
It’s just the start for Rangers under Gerrard and the Ibrox manager set out his stall early after the achievements of last season.