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The former Liverpool captain has been in the spotlight of discussion after Rangers parted ways with Russell Martin on the weekend, and the ex-coach is set to talk about a possible comeback with the team's owners.

The decision-makers at Ibrox have stated that a "thorough, considered hiring procedure" is now in progress.

Other candidates will be considered, but if ex Liverpool and England skipper is willing to a second stint at Ibrox, could the position essentially his?

The 45-year-old coach has recently spoken about “remaining goals” in management and revealed he has begun contacting prospective staff for his backroom team.

In a recent audio interview with Rio Ferdinand, which seemed to be recorded before Martin's brief reign ended, Gerrard stated he desired “to be at a club that's set to challenge to win because I believe that fits me more”.

He continued: “If the right call arrives, the appropriate team, the correct opportunity, and I've assembled my staff, which I plan to have at some point, I'll accept that role because it's part of my nature.”

Performance at Rangers in His First Stint

After gaining experience as a academy manager at Liverpool, Gerrard took on his first managerial role in the summer of 2018.

Over three complete campaigns at Ibrox, he won only a single title – but it proved significant.

Following placements of nine and 13 points after their rivals in his first two seasons, Gerrard led Rangers to their maiden top-flight title in a ten years, which coincidentally prevent their Glasgow rivals an unprecedented tenth consecutive title.

And he did it impressively, with his team unbeaten throughout.

Rangers triumphed in all of their home games, netted 92 goals and allowed a mere 13.

The downside was that it occurred against a backdrop of Covid and fanless grounds.

It continues to be Rangers' sole league triumph since the 2010-11 season.

What Was Gerrard's Old Firm Record Perform?

In stark contrast to Martin's disappointing spell, Gerrard hit the ground running at Rangers, remaining 12 games unbeaten until his first visit to Parkhead.

In his first season the derby honours were even, each side earning two domestic wins, with Rangers having previously defeated Celtic in 2012.

Two losses to Celtic came in the following shortened season, followed by Rangers securing a victory in the east end of Glasgow for the first time since 2010.

From then on, Gerrard stayed undefeated in derbies, claiming five more and drawing once.

Rangers came through four rounds of qualifying to enter the group stage of the European competition in Gerrard's first season.

In the 2019-20 campaign, they advanced to the knockout rounds of the identical tournament, being eliminated to Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16, with their run concluding at the same stage the next year.

Why Did Gerrard Depart Rangers?

The Birmingham club made an approach in late 2021, paying £4.5m in fees.

He left Rangers four points ahead of Celtic at the summit of the standings – however their city rivals would recover to prevail by the identical gap.

The lure of the English top flight is powerful and it may have been seen as the next logical step on a dream return to Liverpool at a time when his coaching reputation was high.

“Steven and his backroom staff have made sure that the club is undoubtedly in a better place today than it was three-and-a-half years ago,” commented then Rangers football executive Ross Wilson.

“We have shared a goal to move Rangers forward, to update our infrastructure and to make the club win again.”

How Did Gerrard's Record at Villa & Al-Ettifaq?

Gerrard failed to complete a year at Aston Villa.

Up and down results yielded a mid-table finish at the conclusion of season 2021-22 before a 3-0 defeat at Fulham placed them 17th in October 2022 when he was dismissed.

During 2022, he won only eight of his 31 games, losing 15.

He transferred to the Middle East in summer 2023 when he assumed control at the Saudi club.

His most recent role lasted 18 months and he departed with the team sitting in 12th in the Saudi league, only five points above the drop zone.

“Overall, I have gained valuable experience, and it's been a positive journey for me and for my family,” he remarked in the end of January. “But soccer is uncertain, and sometimes events don't unfold the way we want.”

Those post-Ibrox exploits may give certain pause for thought and the man himself might harbor concerns over inheriting a struggling team, but Gerrard probably has the personality to handle such a high-profile post.

He is the sole Rangers manager to have lifted the championship since the great Walter Smith. That experience could be difficult to overlook for an under-pressure Ibrox board.