Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has revealed that he’s been having “secret” phone conversations with legendary Scottish manager and ex-Ibrox striker Sir Alex Ferguson.
Despite Stevie G lining up for fierce rivals Liverpool for a generation, ex-Man Utd gaffer Sir Alex has leant an encouraging ear to Gerrard during his tenure at Ibrox.
Gerrard opened up on the relationship with Sir Alex as he received the Football Writers’ Manager of the Year award in what was a remarkably humble acceptance from the Gers gaffer.
Gerrard has done almost everything in football and yet this award clearly humbled him as he celebrates his first major success as a football manager.
It’s a success which was lauded by Sir Alex in the days running up to the award being handed out.
“Oh, he’s done magnificent. He really has, both on and off the field,” said Sir Alex [Guardian].
A press interview can lose you your job in management. But Steven’s press conferences are fantastic. He’s cool, he’s composed, he gives the right answers. He’s really top because it’s an art.”
As an aside, Ferguson claimed he still supports Rangers – if only on Old Firm day – as an upcoming documentary shines a very sad light on a former Ibrox director’s sectarianism in the 60s.
Fergie was the master of media manipulation so these comments from the ex-Aberdeen, Scotland and Man Utd gaffer are not without particular merit.
Speaking after he received the award, Gerrard admitted he was humbled to have been praised so highly by his old rival.
“I’m extremely flattered,” said Gerrard [Telegraph].
“He’s an iconic figure in the game. Through no fault of our own we became big, big rivals at Liverpool and Manchester United, the two biggest clubs in British football.
“Even though he was a rival, I looked up to him immensely because he is such an iconic figure in the game and what he achieved in the game is up there with the very best who have ever lived, so I’m really flattered and humbled by his words and I’ll let you into a little secret – I’ve had a couple of conversations with him and he gave me time on the phone to bounce a few things off him, to do with the management here at Rangers.
“He was fantastic in those conversations and I’d love to sit down with him and have a coffee.
“He’s agreed to that and that goes to show what type of man he is — he’s not just the iconic manager we all know.
“I am in a really blessed position because coming through the ranks at Liverpool I got some real top management experience that I can tap into – Kenny Dalglish, Roy Hodgson, Rafa Benitez.
“I was connected with Sir Alex through a mutual acquaintance and we did exchange numbers, but I wouldn’t dare send the first message, that’s for sure.”
Gerrard also revealed that he’d been in contact with ex-Rangers managers Walter Smith and Graeme Souness throughout his time at the club as he looked to find his feet at Ibrox.
Rangers are now looking at a potential unbeaten league season and a legendary 55th title and fans cannot laud the Gaffer enough for picking up the Manager of the Year award.
