Steven Gerrard would have considered returning to Ibrox if Rangers had approached him to replace Danny Rohl instead of Derek McInnes.
Gerrard has been consistently linked with a return to Rangers throughout a turbulent period at the club, but the move has failed to materialise on each occasion, despite circumstances appearing increasingly favourable for a reunion.
When Russell Martin was sacked last October, Gerrard was among the names in the frame to return, only for the move to collapse, with all signs pointing towards a lack of alignment with then-sporting director Kevin Thelwell as a key factor.
Thelwell was subsequently sacked by Andrew Cavenagh in November, removing what had appeared to be the primary obstacle to a Gerrard return, and yet, even with that barrier gone, the reunion has not happened.
Now, with Rohl departing for Red Bull Salzburg and McInnes stepping in, the window for the Englishman at Ibrox has closed once more, and Alan Nixon has shed light on where the former Liverpool captain’s attention is now focused.
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We believe Derek McInnes is the right man for the job…
Gerrard eyes Burnley as Rangers snub him
According to Nixon, Gerrard is in the frame for the Burnley vacancy, as he prepares for his managerial comeback, with the Championship club keen on appointing him as they look to rebuild following their relegation from the Premier League.
A return to Rangers was also on the table, Nixon confirms via his Patreon, with the 46-year-old said to be up for a move back to Glasgow.
However, it has not come to fruition, leaving Burnley as the more likely destination at this stage.
Gerrard is now focused on assembling his backroom team, with Manchester United coach Steve Holland identified as his first-choice assistant.
The pair know each other from the England setup, and Gerrard views Holland’s experience as the ideal complement to his own managerial instincts, though prising him away from Old Trafford will not be straightforward.
What would your concerns be about Derek McInnes replacing Danny Rohl?
What it means for the Gers
For Rangers supporters who have dreams of a Gerrard return, Nixon’s update draws a line under what has become a recurring near-miss.
McInnes is the man now, and delivering results will be his way of making the Gerrard conversation irrelevant.
While the English tactician became a hit at Ibrox after leading the side to Premiership glory in 2021, there remain doubts over his managerial instincts.
It is worth noting that he managed to deliver only one title in three seasons.
