THE STEVIE I KNOW IS A LEADER AND A FIGHTER, I APPLAUD HIM

STEVEN GERRARD knows coming second in Glasgow is the same as finishing last. But since when did he shy away from a challenge? He inherits a Rangers squad in need of significant overhaul if they are to challenge Celtic, who are a powerhouse in the Scottish Premiership. Celtic have a brilliant manager in Brendan Rodgers and the resources to improve a team who have won seven back-toback titles. Gerrard’s easy option would have been to stay at Liverpool where everything is set up for him to develop his coaching career. I am hearing great things about his work with the Under 18s, who he took to the quarter-finals of the Youth Champions League. He could have worked his way up through the club over the next few years, learning from Jurgen Klopp. Then, if Klopp ever decided to leave, Stevie would be the first person they would turn to as a replacement — in much the same way as Kenny Dalglish succeeded Joe Fagan in 1985. But managing youth team matches in front of a few dozen fans does not compare to 50,000 at Ibrox every other week. That is what gets the adrenaline flowing and, having inspired Liverpool in so many huge games, he probably misses that buzz. Even from his earliest days at Anfield, the Stevie I played with was a leader, a fighter. He has all the qualities to become a great manager and will back himself to make a success of this job. To have a player who was one of the world’s best midfielders leading Rangers is the best thing that could have happened to Scottish football. Of course it will be difficult for Stevie but I don’t think anyone can criticise him for taking this bold step. I applaud him for making such a brave move.