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:
9. LW: Jamie Murphy
The ex-Hibs winger scored the first goal of the Gerrard era and had enjoyed a positive loan spell the season prior. He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury just weeks into Gerrard's arrival, though, and was never able to regain his spot in the team. Now 36, he plays for Scott Brown's Ayr United in the Scottish Championship. | Getty Images
10. RW: Josh Windass
The enigmatic forward was the Gers joint top scorer the previous season, but left the club exactly a month after this game to move to Wigan Athletic. Spent five seasons with Sheffield Wednesday, but left in the summer to sign for newly promoted Wrexham, where he has already scored three goals in his first six games. | Getty Images
11. CF: Alfredo Morelos
The Colombian forward became a key figure for Gerrard during his time at Ibrox, playing a vital role in the club's 55th Scottish title win. He remained at the club following the Liverpool legend's departure and featured heavily in the run to the Europa League final in 2022. However, a thigh injury would rule him out of the latter stages of the competition and he never truly regained top form at Ibrox. Moved to Brazilian outfit Santos in 2023, where he struggled, before signing on loan for Colombian side Atlético Nacional. | Getty Images
12. Sub: Ryan Jack
Despite joining the summer before him, Jack became an important player for Gerrard. He featured 30 in Scottish Premiership games for the new boss in his first season, and went on to play a total of 131 league games for the club. Scored a memorable goal in a 2-0 Scottish Cup final victory over Hearts. However, consistent niggling injuries saw his time at Ibrox come to a natural conclusion. Joined second tier Turkish side Esenler Erokspor last summer, where he plays regularly. | SNS Group