Steven Gerrard breaks Rangers manager silence as he reveals the real reason why he walked away from a return
Gerrard was locked in talks with supremos Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe but walked away after rounds of discussions
Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has confessed his heart remains at Ibrox but admitted nagging doubts forced him to step away from a stunning return to Glasgow.
In an impassioned address, the man who ended Celtic's stranglehold on the Scottish Premiership when he guided the Ibrox side to title glory in 2021 admitted the timing wasn't right when asked to replace Russell Martin.
Gerrard was locked in talks with supremos Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe but walked away after several rounds of discussions.
Rangers pivoted to Danny Rohl and Kevin Muscat with the latter bowing out leaving the German in position to land the Ibrox top job.
And the Liverpool icon - speaking before his former side's clash with Aston Villa – has opened up on how close he came to saying yes.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Gerrard said: "In terms of Rangers, very close, I had some really positive and interesting discussions with the owners. It felt a bit rushed to me because I had my family in Bahrain, at the time. I had a lot to think about to make my decision in a short space of time.
"There were a few things I was uncertain about. And if I am going to take a challenge, that big, that important, I have that affection and connection with Rangers, for me to take that on again it had to be perfect and I had to be 100 per cent ready, unfortunately I wasn't, due to the timing, I stepped aside.
"I wish them all the best, they have a fantastic manager now, I will watch from afar as a fan, and wish them the best of luck tomorrow".
Fans have called for the heads of Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell with supporters raising concerns over the current set-up with punters fearing their roles had an adverse effect on the recruitment process to land Martin's successor.
And Gerrard was pressed on whether his call to walk away was due to the current structure at Rangers and he confessed both family commitments and the current timing forced him to say no.
He added: "The timing wasn't right from a family point, of course, but you have to do your due diligence into certain things, and if things are not perfect as well, I have to analyse 'is it right for me?'. The pressure, the responsibility is on your shoulders are such a massive challenge at such a massive club. My heart was there and it always will be with Rangers. But I also have to look into the football side of it, is the timing right? Are things perfect for me to be the best version of myself?
"Unfortunately, the timing didn't feel right to me. I have got that much respect for Rangers, and the owners and everything connected with the club. I wouldn't go in there if I was 80, 90 per cent ready. Hopefully, one day, I will be more ready and that chance might come again. My heart was 100 per cent there because I have that connection with the club"
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