Rangers are reportedly set to “clinch” a deal for Dutch boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst but things could’ve been very different had he taken a Steven Gerrard-linked Premier League job.
Gio, 46, looks set to replace the outgoing Ibrox manager who abruptly jumped ship from Rangers to Aston Villa as the lure of a Premier League return proved too much.
But it was not the job at Villa Park which had been linked to the Dutchman but rather the vacant job at Newcastle United.
The Magpies shifted out Steve Bruce after a £305m Saudi-led takeover with Stevie G reportedly amongst the frontrunners for the job.
Speculation surrounding the role at Newcastle is what resulted in a now-infamous interview where Stevie G told a reporter not to ask him “silly questions” regarding his future.
Given Stevie jumped at the first opportunity when the bosses at Villa Park came calling, we’re not so sure there was much sincerity in those comments.
But whilst those in charge at St James’ Park opted instead to move for ex-Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, van Bronckhorst was reportedly mentioned alongside the job.
Rangers-linked van Bronckhorst expressed interest in Steven Gerrard-linked Newcastle job
According to the Chronicle, Gio had “thrown his hat into the ring” for the Premier League role with the Toon prior to the club plunging for Eddie Howe.
The fact Gio is at least being considered for these types of jobs is perhaps a testament to his management but without any first-team UK experience a job in the English top flight is always a risk.
But given Gio’s knowledge of Scottish top flight football, standing in the game and reputation as a young coach, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any Bears who don’t endorse the move up north.
It’s looking more and more like the Dutchman could be the man to lead Rangers into a new era with a leading journalist claiming he’s set to “clinch” an Ibrox deal.
