Steven Gerrard is no longer Rangers manager.
A statement released by the club revealed that he has joined Aston Villa and that we are now looking for someone new to take charge, as reported on the club’s official website:
“Gerrard moves to the Midlands club having played a key role in the significant growth of the Light Blues in numerous areas during his three-and-a-half years at Ibrox.
“Rangers now has an outstanding, highly competitive playing squad which is capable of both winning and entertaining on all fronts, with the highest of standards now also prevalent throughout the football department.
“In European competition, Rangers have qualified for group stage football for four successive seasons, and knockout-stage football in the last two, improving not only the club’s standing on the continent, but also that of Scottish Football.
“Domestically, Rangers have flourished under Gerrard, with that work culminating in the club claiming their 55th title last season on the back of an unbeaten league campaign.”
Gerrard, regardless of the nature of his departure, has been more than a manager. We have upgraded Ibrox, the training ground, our structure off the pitch and most of it was at his behest.
Vital Rangers has covered before how it is no shame to lose him to a club like Aston Villa, outside of the “top six” they are arguably the biggest club in the league, not quite a sleeping giant, but with significant resources and a good manager, there is no reason why they can’t gate crash the Champions League places in time.
The team he inherited and the one he leaves are completely different and we should thank him for that – even if the timing and manner of his departure is less than ideal.
Thank you, next!