Steven Gerrard to Rangers —Gers have now been told Gerrard’s Final Decision on taking over as Manager of the club for a second time amid sensational return back to Ibrox to knock Celtic off their perch

Steven Gerrard won’t be making a dramatic comeback to Ibrox as Rangers approach the concluding phase of their managerial hunt.

The Rangers Review understands that Gerrard has been excluded from the selection process while talks continue with alternative contenders.

Former chairman Dave King stated this week that Gerrard was the ‘obvious choice’ as the incoming leadership seeks to appoint a replacement for Philippe Clement. However, it is believed that Gerrard will not be taken into account by the hiring panel of Patrick Stewart, Kevin Thelwell and Gretar Steinsson.

The Rangers Review has learned that constructive conversations were held between both sides after Gerrard was initially approached. But it soon became apparent that the timing wasn’t suitable for a return to the club where he secured the Premiership title in 2021.

Gerrard resigned midway through the defence of that championship to take charge at Aston Villa. He has been without a role since parting ways with Al-Ettifaq earlier this year and has been linked with a potential move to Anfield as Arne Slot’s assistant coach.

“I think I know him well enough to fairly accurately state it would be unfinished business for him,” King said.

“Steven left at a time he didn’t want to leave. That’s a fact. And the team was still top of the league at the time that he left. He wanted to defend that title. I think he would have defended the title had he stayed.

“So from Steven’s personal point of view and where he is at the moment, I think he’d love nothing more than to come back to the club and take on the challenge of restoring the club. And it’s not just about one title because the project that we hope we’re starting now is a project to make Rangers the dominant number one team in Scotland.

“It’s not about winning another league title. It’s about really putting Rangers back at the top. This is a project. It’s not a one-off. And I think Steven would be perfect for that.

“So I’d be very surprised if they haven’t spoken to Steven because he’s, as I say, he’s by far the least risky candidate to give new money to, by far the least risky candidate.”