Pundit Noel Whelan believes that Rangers have “pulled of a blinder” in securing the signature and contract of Steven Gerrard until 2024 as he continues the Ibrox sides hunt for silverware.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan goes on to describe just what the Liverpool legend has brought to the Scottish game.
So what has Whelan said?
When asked about his opinion on Gerrard’s new deal, Whelan praised Dave King and the board by saying:
“King and the Rangers board have pulled off a blinder”.
“He has taken Rangers so far forward that the gap between them and Celtic is how minimal”.
“He’s helped make Scottish football so much more interesting because the two giants are now set to fight all the way for the title this season”.
“Gerrard has taken to management just like he did to playing. He comes across fantastically well, professional, smart and clearly knows how to get the best out of his players”.
So is Whelan correct?
Gerrard has transformed Rangers in every sense and every department, admittedly they had a low starting point following Pedro Caixinha’s reign, but to secure knockout football in the Europa League, after narrowly missing out in his first year, is a considerable achievement for a man in his first managerial job.
He has been able to attract a higher calibre of player in Scott Arfield, Jermain Defoe and Steven Davis as well as being able to persuade his former club to part with Ryan Kent for less than their original asking price.
But for an offside goal and a missed penalty, he would’ve won the Gers their first trophy since 2011 but luck wasn’t with them on the day added to Fraser Forster having the game of his career.
The Ibrox side currently sit just two points behind Celtic and will be hoping to go into the winter break in front if results and the powder keg Old Firm fixture on the 29th of December go their way.
Whelan is right, King and the board have pulled off a blinder, not only have Gerrard and his team improved Rangers but they have now become an asset. Brendan Rodgers left Celtic with Leicester City having to pay nearly £9m in compensation and King will surely have taken notice of this especially given the recent speculation linking their manager to the Arsenal and Liverpool jobs.
Will Gerrard win silverware at Rangers before he leaves?
Yes
No
Hiring Gerrard has proven to be a successful gamble by King and his board, he hasn’t yet provided the Light Blues with tangible success domestically but it now feels more a matter of time rather than a distant dream.