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Steven Gerrard has been in the spotlight of discussion after Rangers dismissed Russell Martin on the weekend, while the former manager will talk about a potential return with the club's owners.

Those in charge at Ibrox have stated that a "comprehensive, thoughtful hiring procedure" is now in progress.

Additional names will be reviewed, however if the former Anfield and Three Lions captain is open to a return spell at the club, is the job as good as his?

The mid-forties coach lately spoken about “unfinished business” in coaching and revealed he has begun contacting potential staff for his coaching team.

In a latest audio interview with the former defender, which seemed to be filmed prior to Martin's brief tenure ended, Gerrard stated he wanted “to be at a team that's set to compete to win because I think that fits me better”.

He continued: “If the suitable offer comes my way, the right club, the right challenge, and I've assembled my staff, which I plan to have at some point, I'll accept that role because it's in me.”

Gerrard's Record at Rangers in Initial Period

Having acquired knowledge as a academy manager at Liverpool, Gerrard took on his first managerial position in the mid-year of 2018.

During three complete seasons at Rangers, he won only a single title – however it was a big one.

After finishing 13 and nine points behind their rivals in his initial pair of seasons, Gerrard guided Rangers to their maiden premiership title in a ten years, which just happened to prevent their Old Firm rivals an historic tenth consecutive title.

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

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

The drawback was that it came against a backdrop of the pandemic and fanless grounds.

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

What Was Gerrard's Derby Record Perform?

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

In his debut campaign the Old Firm results were shared, each side securing two home wins, with Rangers having previously defeated Celtic in 2012.

Two losses to Celtic came in the next shortened season, followed by Rangers winning in the east end of Glasgow for the first time since 2010.

From then on, Gerrard stayed unbeaten in derbies, claiming five additional and tying once.

Rangers came through four rounds of preliminaries to enter the main phase of the Europa League in Gerrard's debut season.

In the 2019-20 campaign, they advanced to the knockout rounds of the same tournament, being eliminated to the German side in the round of 16, with their journey ending at the identical round the next year.

Why Did Gerrard Leave Rangers?

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

He left Rangers four points clear of Celtic at the top of the table – however their city rivals would claw that back to win by the same margin.

The attraction of the Premier League is strong and it may have been viewed as the natural progression on a dream return to Anfield at a point when his coaching reputation was at its peak.

“Steven and his coaching team have ensured that the team is undoubtedly in a stronger position today than it was three-and-a-half years ago,” said then Rangers football executive Ross Wilson.

“We have shared a goal to advance the club, to modernise our infrastructure and to make the club win again.”

What Was Gerrard's Record at Aston Villa and in Saudi Arabia?

Gerrard did not last a year at Villa Park.

Up and down results resulted in a 14th-place finish at the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign before a three-goal defeat at Fulham placed them in 17th in autumn 2022 when he was sacked.

During 2022, he won just eight of his 31 games, suffering defeat in 15.

He transferred to Saudi Arabia in July 2023 when he assumed control at the Saudi club.

His most recent job lasted 18 months and he moved on with the team sitting in 12th in the Saudi Pro League, only five points clear of the relegation zone.

“Overall, I have learned a lot, and it's been a beneficial journey personally and for my family,” he said in late January. “But soccer is unpredictable, and at times events don't unfold the way we hope.”

Those post-Ibrox experiences could cause certain pause for thought and the man himself might harbor doubts over taking over a underperforming team, but Gerrard probably has the personality to handle such a prominent position.

He is the only Rangers manager to have lifted the league trophy since the legendary Walter Smith. That experience could be hard to ignore for an under-pressure Ibrox board.