Steven Gerrard will not be returning as Rangers manager, as confirmed by Sky Sports News. Despite speculation and brief discussion over a romantic return to Ibrox, the Liverpool legend is officially out of the running for the managerial vacancy, with the club now focused firmly on alternative candidates.

Gerrard, of course, remains an icon in Govan after leading the club to its historic 55th league title in 2021, breaking Celtic’s stranglehold and delivering the first Premiership crown in a decade. But that chapter is clearly closed for now. Reports suggest Gerrard is settled abroad with his family following his stint in Saudi Arabia, and is not looking to relocate to Scotland at this time. His new punditry role with TNT Sports also appears to have taken priority, with him set to appear during their Champions League Final coverage.

This news will disappoint sections of the support who had hoped for a reunion and who credit Gerrard with rebuilding Rangers into a credible European force. But equally, others believe his time has passed, and that the club needs to move in a fresh direction with new ideas and ambition. Indeed, as Ibrox Noise recently highlighted, many Rangers fans were far from unanimous in wanting him back.

Attention now turns to the shortlist of viable candidates still under consideration. Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti remains in the frame, having reportedly held informal discussions with the Ibrox board. The Italian, son of Carlo, is said to be keen on becoming a first-team boss and sees Rangers as an ideal platform. However, as reported by Ibrox Noise, he is also attracting interest from abroad, with Deportivo La Coruña making enquiries.

Russell Martin, the former Southampton boss and one-time Rangers loanee, is also understood to be a strong contender. Martin is expected to hold further talks with the board this week, and his style of play is believed to appeal to certain decision-makers behind the scenes. Former striker Kris Boyd even threw Martin’s name into the ring, calling him a standout option in a surprise endorsement.

The pressure is on to appoint a new manager before pre-season begins on 23 June. With Champions League qualifiers looming, the board know they must act fast – and get it right.

For those still hoping for the return of Stevie G, it’s over. Rangers are going in a different direction. And with a new era dawning, the only focus now is on choosing the right man to lead the club forward into the 2025/26 campaign.