There is an obvious need for Rangers to sign new players this summer, however, the biggest difference will be made by a new manager.
The current Rangers squad proves this. The gap from what they are capable of measured against how poorly they can play shows that they just need the right leader and the right tactics.
This doesn’t mean that a higher calibre of player also isn’t needed because it clearly is in several positions throughout the squad.
With no obvious candidate and the San Francisco 49ers set to take charge, there are various names that will be considered.
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Do the 49ers want Steven Gerrard as next Rangers manager?
Speaking on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast, Chris Jack has detailed the type of character who Rangers will be looking for.
When asked specifically if Steven Gerrard was the right man for the job, Jack replied:
“Ultimately, Rangers fans just want to win. They have not won enough over recent seasons.
“And I think they’re looking for a manager who is quite a… who is something of a figurehead. They’re looking for someone who represents the club in the right way.
“And you look at where recent managers have failed. You look at where recent managers have succeeded. Steven Gerrard also has been the last man to guide Rangers to a title.
“He spoke and he conducted himself and he carried himself in a way that other managers over the last 10, 12 years or so have not done. And I don’t think it’s a surprise that Rangers were successful and they made huge strides under Steven Gerrard. The situation now, seven years on from that appointment, it’s not as, I don’t think it’s as bleak.”
Is Gerrard the right man for the job?
The Rangers manager job is very unique.
There is no expectation in terms of style of play, the expectation is just to win.
For Gerrard specifically, there are obvious questions about how many trophies he won during his tenure with a squad that was capable of so much more.
To lose to St Mirren and St Johnstone in the cups when guiding Rangers to an invincible league campaign still leaves a bitter taste in the mouth and takes some of the gloss of Gerrard’s rein.
With so much change off the pitch, it may be that the 49ers look for stability in the dugout and Gerrard would be as low risk an appointment as they could make.
The perceived barriers to progress in his first spell will soon be lifted and, with the 49ers’ deep pockets, he might fancy another shot at Brendan Rodgers.
