Patryk Stachowiak
Bookmakers have suspended betting on Steven Gerrard becoming Rangers’ next manager following a dramatic surge in wagers for the Liverpool legend to make a shock return to Ibrox.
The 45-year-old is understood to be holding talks with Rangers executives in London on Thursday, with odds plummeting to just 1/8 before the market was taken offline. Gerrard had become the overwhelming favourite ahead of other contenders including Hearts boss Derek McInnes (11/1) and former Yokohama F. Marinos coach Kevin Muscat (12/1).
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps confirmed the suspension, saying: “A flood of money on Wednesday for Steven Gerrard to replace Russell Martin as Rangers boss has meant we have shut down the next manager market overnight. Gerrard is due to hold talks with his former employers in the coming days, and having made the Liverpool legend as short as 1/8, we’ve now suspended betting.”
Gerrard’s History with Rangers
Gerrard’s name carries weight in Glasgow. During his first spell as manager from 2018 to 2021, he famously ended Celtic’s bid for a 10th consecutive league title, guiding Rangers to the Scottish Premiership crown and restoring pride to the blue half of the city. That triumph remains one of the defining moments of his managerial career.
He left Ibrox in late 2021 to take charge of Aston Villa, but was dismissed less than a year later after a poor run of results — just two wins in twelve Premier League matches at the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
Saudi Chapter and the Search for Redemption
Following his Premier League exit, Gerrard made an ambitious move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, where he lasted 18 months before parting ways earlier this year. Since then, he has been out of management but recently told Rio Ferdinand’s podcast that he has “unfinished business” and that Rangers “remain a perfect fit.”
Reports suggest Gerrard held informal discussions with the club over the summer before Russell Martin’s appointment — talks that may now be reignited as the Gers look to steady the ship.
Martin’s Short-Lived Tenure Ends in Chaos
Russell Martin’s spell in charge ended in turmoil. His 123-day reign — the shortest of any permanent manager in Rangers’ history — concluded after a 1-1 draw with Falkirk. The result sparked fury among supporters, forcing Martin and his players to receive a police escort from Falkirk Stadium after fans blocked the team bus in protest.
Martin’s win rate stood at just 29 per cent, leaving the board with little choice but to act decisively. The managerial search that follows now has one clear frontrunner — and all eyes are on Steven Gerrard’s next move.
Betting Market Outlook
With betting currently suspended, bookies are bracing for a potential announcement in the coming days. Should Gerrard be officially unveiled, it would mark one of the most talked-about managerial comebacks in recent Scottish football history — and a high-stakes gamble for both the man and the club that once restored each other’s glory.