Aston Villa might not have made an approach for Rangers manager Steven Gerrard yet but if they do then one Ibrox director in particular is set to be tested.
There’s a nervousness in the air at Ibrox amid links between the Rangers manager and Aston Villa with several reports down south claiming an approach from the Premier League club is imminent [Daily Mail].
Rangers fans have seen their manager linked to a host of different roles over the years but never once has it got quite so close to an actual attempt to snare the man who delivered 55.
Until something concrete happens then it’s all speculation, but should Villa make their approach, and Gerrard be willing to listen, then sporting director Ross Wilson can expect to earn his corn.
Rangers are well aware of the fact that Gerrard won’t be at Ibrox for an established dynasty – if not a medium-term stint – let alone forever.
As a result, Rangers surely have some level of contingency plan in place to succeed their manager be it in the next fortnight – with reports suggesting Villa want to fill the void in the international break – or in the next few seasons.
Contracted to Rangers until 2024, the Gerrard succession planning is probably organically designed for two-and-a-half years from now.
But with anything possible in football – including Jurgen Klopp ducking out before his contract conveniently expires in 2024 at Liverpool – Rangers will surely be well-prepped for any eventuality.
Rangers sporting director to be tested in the eventuality of Gerrard’s exit
Gers director Wilson handles the recruitment in the sporting department of Rangers and he would head up the appointment of any new manager.
If and when that is to happen, this may well be the acid test of the ex-Southampton transfer guru’s abilities.
However, all of this is caveated with the biggest IF in modern Rangers history.
IF Steven Gerrard goes then Wilson will need to fill that void but that’s an IF which is anything but definite even if Villa do come calling.
Gerrard is notoriously loyal and the notion the manager could jump ship midway through an active season – which has huge implications for Rangers financially and otherwise – seems fanciful.
Not only this but a move to Villa – even with an admittedly talented squad and billionaire owners – presents a risk.
Rangers fans have gotten used to the notion that when Gerrard leaves Ibrox he’ll do so a legend with multiple trophies in tow, Champions League experience, and a homecoming letter from Liverpool.
Taking a detour to the tumultuous middle reaches of the Premier League is a risk that may prevent such an invitation ever landing on Gerrard’s desk.
Whilst the papers are very much reporting Villa want Gerrard in at Ibrox, many of the Birmingham club’s supporters aren’t exactly convinced.
