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The former Liverpool captain has been at the center of discussion since Rangers dismissed Russell Martin on the weekend, and the former manager is set to discuss a potential return with the team's leadership.

The decision-makers at Ibrox announced that a "comprehensive, thoughtful recruitment procedure" is now underway.

Other candidates are set to be considered, however if the former Anfield and Three Lions skipper is open to a second stint at Ibrox, is the job essentially his?

The mid-forties manager lately spoken about “unfinished business” in coaching and revealed he has begun approaching potential members for his coaching team.

In a latest podcast discussion with Rio Ferdinand, appearing to be recorded before Martin's short reign concluded, Gerrard stated he desired “to be at a team that's set to compete to win because I think that suits me better”.

He continued: “If the suitable offer arrives, the right club, the correct opportunity, and I've assembled my staff, which I will have at a future date, I'll accept that role because it's in me.”

Gerrard's Record at Rangers in His First Stint

After gaining experience as a youth development manager at Anfield, Gerrard accepted his first managerial role in the mid-year of 2018.

During three complete campaigns at Rangers, he won just one trophy – however it was a big one.

After finishing 13 and nine points behind Celtic in his initial pair of campaigns, Gerrard led Rangers to their maiden premiership championship in a ten years, which coincidentally deny their Old Firm rivals an unprecedented 10-in-a-row win.

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

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

The downside was that it came amid of Covid and fanless grounds.

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

How Did Gerrard's Old Firm Record Look?

In stark contrast to Martin's disappointing experience, Gerrard hit the ground running at Rangers, remaining 12 games unbeaten until his initial trip to Celtic Park.

In his debut campaign the derby results were even, each side securing two domestic victories, with Rangers having last beaten 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 initial occasion since 2010.

From then on, Gerrard remained undefeated in Old Firm clashes, winning five more and tying once.

Rangers came through four rounds of qualifying to reach the main phase of the Europa League in Gerrard's first season.

In 2019-20, they progressed to the elimination stage of the same competition, losing out to the German side in the round of 16, with their journey ending at the same stage the next year.

What Led Gerrard Depart Rangers?

The Birmingham club came calling in November 2021, paying £4.5m in compensation.

He departed Rangers four points clear of Celtic at the summit of the table – but their local opponents would recover to prevail by the same margin.

The attraction of the Premier League is strong and it may have been seen as the next logical step on a dream comeback to Liverpool at a point when his coaching reputation was high.

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

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

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

Gerrard failed to complete a year at Aston Villa.

Inconsistent performances resulted in a mid-table finish at the end of the 2021-22 campaign before a 3-0 defeat at Fulham left them in 17th in October 2022 when he was sacked.

During 2022, he secured only eight of his 31 games, suffering defeat in 15.

He moved to the Middle East in July 2023 when he took over at Al-Ettifaq.

His latest role lasted 18 months and he departed with the club placed in 12th in the Saudi Pro League, only five points clear of the drop zone.

“In summary, I have gained valuable experience, and it's been a beneficial experience personally and for my family,” he remarked in late January. “But football is unpredictable, and at times things don't go the way we want.”

Those after Rangers experiences may give some hesitation and the man himself might harbor doubts over inheriting a underperforming squad, but Gerrard likely has the character to manage such a high-profile post.

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