Former Rangers chairman Dave King believes that it is “inevitable” that current Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard will depart the club – but not before he has a pop at the Champions League.
Scouse gaffer Gerrard has done a remarkable job transforming the fortunes of Rangers with the club now in pole position for a legendary 55th title and a force again in Europe.
King – who brought Gerrard to Ibrox – has lavished the Gers gaffer with praise but is realistic over the kind of temptations which might lead Stevie G astray of Glasgow.
That said, King doesn’t see Gerrard jumping ship from Ibrox anytime soon.
“I think it’s inevitable, I guess, that there will be suitors but I certainly get no sense from Steven that he has any intention of leaving Rangers anytime soon,” said King [STV].
“He’s not the type of person – as I understand it – that is going to be flattered by money. I think Steven is trying to do the right thing for himself, for his career.
“I don’t think Steven, he’ll speak for himself, but in my experience of him, I don’t think he’d think the job would be done even winning one title this year.
“I think he’d want to cement that with one or two years more and maybe have a go at the Champions League.
“In my view, Steven sees himself as being at Rangers for the next couple of years and I don’t see him being tempted away, barring one club, and I don’t think that opportunity is available shortly.”
When pressed on the gaffer’s future and asked to give a timeframe King would then say that he expects Gerrard to stay at Ibrox for the duration of his contract at least.
The Rangers manager and his backroom staff signed a new deal in December 2019 which tied him to the club until the summer of 2024 [BBC Sport].
“We extended his contract so my understanding is after this year he has another three years to go,” said King.
“I think if we were to win the league this year, or even if we didn’t, I still think another three years is a nice timeframe for Steven to establish himself, to win titles, defend titles, and play Champions League.
“I think that’s important for him in the development of his career, plus I think he’s really loving being at Rangers.
“He’s loving the opportunity, he’s enjoying being in Scotland and the challenges he’s got.
“I really don’t see his attention being diverted at this point in time and I really think he’ll see the position at Rangers out.”
It shows how big that £30m carrot of Champions League qualification is at Rangers and fans can get excited by Gerrard’s ambitions in this regard.
Rangers are leading the charge for an automatic qualification spot for Scotland for the season after next – but they have some stiff opposition from Ukraine if they’re to claim that group place.
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