Seven years on from his first game in charge of Rangers, former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard is the leading favourite to be named as the club’s next manager.
Following the sacking of head coach Russell Martin last week, the club’s new American owners are hot on the search for their next manager as they look to find a remedy to their disastrous start to the new league season. Sitting eighth in the table, they have just one win from their first seven games. Would the return of Gerrard see an upturn in fortunes?
His first spell, best remembered for the history 55th title win during the 2020/21 win, Gerrard’s first competitive game in charge came on Thursday 12 July 2018, as Rangers welcomed Macedonian outfit Shkupi at Ibrox in a Europa League first leg qualifier, which they won 2-0 thanks to strikes from Jamie Murphy and James Tavernier.
But where are the starting XI from Gerrard’s first Rangers game now? Here’s what happened to every player who featured in the Liverpool legends' first game in charge of Rangers:
5. LB: Jon Flanagan
Once a regular starter for Brendan Rodgers' title-chasing Liverpool side, the full-back moved to Glasgow hoping to kick-start his career. However, it didn't work out and he departed Ibrox just two years after arriving. Had spells with Charleroi and HB Køge before he was forced to retire in 2022 due to a recurring knee injury. | SNS Group
6. CM: Scott Arfield
Another player who made his Rangers debut in the game was this popular Canadian. Arfield went on to be a big hit at Ibrox, scoring 29 league goals during his five seasons at the club. Departed in the summer of 2023 to join MLS outfit Charlotte FC, but returned shortly afterwards to sign for Bolton Wanderers, and latterly Falkirk, where he is a regular in John McGlynn's newly promoted side. Often seen as a TV pundit. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. CM: Ross McCrorie
The Rangers academy product showed flashes of his talent at Ibrox but was never able to nail down a first-team spot and departed to join Aberdeen in 2020 for a fee of around £350,000, where he was escribed as a 'Rolls Royce of a player' by Derek McInnes. Has enjoyed a career renaissance following his move to Bristol City in 2023. Now playing largely as a wing-back, he made his international debut this summer and was named in Scotland's Euro 2024 squad. | SNS Group
8. CM: Daniel Candeias
Signed the previous year by ex-boss Pedro Caixinha, the Portuguese midfielder was a regular starter for Gerrard in his first two years at Ibrox. However, he would end his spell in Glasgow by signing for Gençlerbirliği in the summer of 2019. Now 37, he plays in Portugal for Liga 3 club Académica de Coimbra. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group