There was one concern Ibrox Noise had about returning Steven Gerrard, and we went to press with this one. It was that the team underneath him — the background staff of Steven Davis, Jermain Defoe, Gary McAllister, and Tom Culshaw — lacked a proper tactician. The whole setup, while filled with football men, didn’t have a grounded tactical mind or a true technical coach. Someone, dare we say it, like Michael Beale once was. A coach who could offer Rangers, and specifically Gerrard, genuine tactical and technical options, as well as the ability to drive training sessions with real authority amid Steven Gerrard’s Rangers appointment.
Ex-England
It appears that concern may now have been addressed, with a highly coveted figure potentially joining the backroom team. Former England assistant Steve Holland is being earmarked for a major role under Gerrard at Ibrox. That really would be an appointment we could get behind. This would be a Euro final-level addition. A man who has operated on the biggest stages in football. If anyone can offer Gerrard insight into managing high-pressure environments, it’s Steve Holland.
He has vast experience of working within one of the few teams in world football that faces the same level of scrutiny and expectation as Rangers — England. If ever there’s pressure to win, it’s with the England national side. Holland has been right there at the heart of it, working alongside his former chief for many years.
Holland
If Gerrard does manage to bring Holland in, that would be an exceptional move. It would give the setup a strong balance: Gerrard and McAllister bring their understanding of Rangers; Davis provides a core Rangers identity; Defoe adds his professionalism and insight; and Culshaw remains a solid technical coach. Add Holland’s wisdom, experience, and battle-tested mentality from years in must-win situations, and that backroom would suddenly look very well-rounded.
The only slight quibble might be the lack of one more true Rangers man — but with Davis already there, the balance feels right. The club doesn’t need to overload the staff with identity at the expense of football intellect.
If this one comes to pass with Steven Gerrard’s Rangers appointment, we’ll be a lot happier. Let’s hope it does.