As Rangers reportedly close in on Giovanni van Bronckhorst as their new manager, the club’s former boss Steven Gerrard – as if in tandem – has been speaking about leaving for Aston Villa.
Only a week ago were Rangers supporters mourning the exit of the Liverpool legend who for them had reinstated their club as a European unit, brought back standards, and won the title of all titles.
Gerrard’s achievements are the stuff of legend at Ibrox but his own status as one has undoubtedly been tarnished by the manner of his exit.
Richard Keys described Gerrard as a taking off like a “thief in the night” whilst everyone from Ally McCoist to the average joe in the street has cut a forlorn figure when discussing the exit.
It was Gerrard’s preamble which set it up to be so vociferous – asking him about exit links was “silly” he said, Rangers fans had “nothing to worry about”.
Not only that, but Rangers have a cup semi in a matter of days, a crunch Europa League clash and Celtic breathing down their neck in the league. There was plenty to play for.
And yet a new era is set to dawn at Ibrox with the former Dutch captain van Bronckhorst – a player of even greater standing if not fanfare and ability than Gerrard – set to return to Ibrox.
Gio boasts a record haul which includes even the Premier League title – something which alluded Gerrard in his pomp – and he already has more coaching medals than the ex-Ibrox gaffer.
The Dutchman might not have the marketability – or the aura – of Stevie G, but he commands just as much if not more footballing respect.
You don’t captain your country at a World Cup Final if you don’t know a thing or two about the beautiful game.
But the timing of Gerrard’s exit – compared with Rangers’ pursuit of van Bronckhorst – has to some justified their doubts about the quickfire nature of his exit.
Gerrard claims he was only made aware of Villa’s interest on Wednesday the 10th of November and by Thursday the 11th he was holding the claret and blue scarf above his head.
It’s a notion which has added to the upset surrounding the manager’s exit and something the Rangers’ pursuit of van Bronckhorst – an out of work coach who’s made no bones about his eagerness to sign on at Ibrox – suggests is unworkable.
Facing independent media for the first time since signing on at Aston Villa, Gerrard cut an uncharacteristically sheepish figure as he reasoned his Rangers exit for the first time.
The lure of the Premier League and the opportunity to be closer to his family – time with whom he had sacrificed in Govan – made the deal a no-brainer.
“Although the last seven to ten days have gone extremely quick, it has been a real happy time for me because the opportunity to be back in the Premier League, the opportunity to be back closer to my family were the two main reasons why this was the right move for me,” said Gerrard [Sky Sports].
“It was a difficult decision [to leave Rangers]. I certainly left with a heavy heart.
“I built up some fantastic relationships up at Rangers. It is a club that I have got immense respect for.
“I was given a remit three-and-a-half years ago up at Rangers and we went on a journey. We completed that remit.
“Approximately ten days ago, the opportunity came up to join another iconic club and I think it is important to make sure that this press conference is about Aston Villa. It was an opportunity that I couldn’t let pass me by.”
As excitement builds around Gio, the ill-feeling and bitterness towards Gerrard will fade if the Dutchman can deliver at Ibrox.
But given the soundbites, the trust and the relationship Stevie had built up with everyone at Rangers, the feeling surrounding the manner of his exit may not.
According to one leading newspaper, Rangers could be set to make an announcement over their new manager imminently.
