Steven Gerrard is a man on a mission. Having been appointed as the new manager of Glasgow Rangers, his first task is to build a squad that can challenge arch rivals Glasgow Celtic, not only for the Scottish Premiership title, but fight for Scottish cup honours too – not forgetting of course, if possible, booking a place in the 2019/2020 Champions League competition.
Gerrard has his work cut out for him. It has been seven years since they last won the league, nine years since they won a domestic cup and a whopping 46-years since they won a European cup when they lifted the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup back in 1972.
The new manager at The Ibrox is of course already beavering away to improve the squad for the up-and-coming season.
It’s no secret that Gerrard, in his previous job coaching the development side at Anfield, formed a deep admiration for the striker, Ben Woodburn, who he made captain of the team. As the new Ranger’s boss still has close ties with Anfield and he can use that bond to bring talent into The Gers from his old side.
It is rumoured that the young Welsh striker (who is still only 18-years old) is already high on Gerrard’s list of hopefuls. He doesn’t and yet command a regular place in the Liverpool side and Gerrard is of the opinion that the youngster needs to play. He is said to be trying to persuade Jurgen Klopp, (who has already promised to help his ex-youth team coach by supplying players on loan), to agree to let Woodburn go so he can get that much-needed experience by playing at The Ibrox.
Another potential targeted Liverpool player is 20-year-old Dominic Solanke. His name was formerly linked with Celtic, but Gerrard’s close links with Jurgen Klopp could swing a possible deal his way.
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Although Gerrard doesn’t officially take up his new post until June, his first new signing is already in hand. This newest addition is the 29-year-old Canadian midfielder, Scott Arnfield, who previously played for Burnley.
Steven Gerrard is very upbeat about what the future holds for Gers. Speaking about his first signing, he remarked how delighted he was to have added Arfield to his squad, saying that he has performed strongly at the highest levels in both the English Premiership and for his birth country, Canada.
The new Rangers boss is acutely aware of the need to bolster his squad before embarking on their Europa League campaign which gets underway in early July. The draw for the first round of matches to be played on the 12th and 19th of July is due to take place on Tuesday the 12th of June.
One thing is for sure, and that is that is Rangers want to regain their integrity as a top contending side, they have to challenge arch enemy’s Celtic for next season’s Scottish Premiership crown, and they need to have a good run in the Europa League.
Mr Gerrard has to make a plethora of good signings if that ambition is to realise. But if he does, it could well be that placing a small wager on Rangers to win the Scottish Premiership next season, while the odds are high. It could win you a boatload of money.