McCall picks out the key factors to Gerrard success
STUART MCCALL reckons man management and recruitment have been the two key factors behind Steven Gerrard’s successes as Rangers manager.
Gerrard will celebrate the third anniversary of his appointment at Ibrox next month and a couple of weeks later he will lift the Premiership title for the first time.
The campaign will end with a tinge of regret for Rangers given that they failed to win either the Betfred Cup or Scottish Cup and were eliminated at the last 16 stage of the Europa League.
But the historic 55th title win will go down as one of the most significant achievements in Ibrox folklore as the champions now look to complete an unbeaten top-flight term.
And nine-in-a-row hero McCall is delighted to see the progress that has been made as Gerrard has revolutionised Rangers on and off the park and delivered such a sought-after Premiership success.
McCall said: “Sir Alex Ferguson named a few things you needed for management, the last of which was luck – and that certainly plays a big part.
“But the two key things are man management, which is just getting the best out of your players, and recruitment. Now sometimes, these days, the recruitment is done by different people.
“But the recruitment at Rangers, Tavernier was already there but Steven has added some fantastic buys.
“What pleases me most is Steven Gerrard was offered a three-year contract.
“Hats off to Dave King for getting him in and tying him down. And for giving him the three years to go and work.
“Last year, with the two cup defeats to Aberdeen, the dropoff in the league, there were questions being asked.
“Steven himself was the first one to mention the loyalty shown by the board.
“But he merited that. He merited the trust. If people above you trust you then, as a manager, you can develop.
“The work on the training ground is now coming to fruition, everything the backroom staff work on.
“And the development of the players has been huge. Everyone has improved.”
Rangers head into the final Old Firm fixture of the season on Sunday aiming to extend their advantage over Celtic to 23 points and move to within two games – against Livingston and Aberdeen – of clinching that unbeaten league record.
Gerrard’s side may only have lifted the title this term, but his key men are set to dominate the end of season awards as a recognition for their fine form over an incredible few months at Ibrox.
But the target first and foremost is to end on a high note as the champions look to recover from their cup exit against St Johnstone with a fourth derby victory this weekend.
McCall said: “When you talk about Player of the Year, you could have picked anyone in a different stage.
“Aribo had a great month, Kent had a great month, they’ve all impressed at different times.
“But Goldson, Davis, Tavernier and McGregor have built the defence that allowed Rangers to show flair at the top. And that comes from the people in charge showing faith in the manager.
“Why the belief was there was obvious. For starters, the European performances in all three seasons were really good.
“But there was also noticeable progress when they went head-to-head with Celtic. It’s not so long ago that I used to dread watching Old Firm games, expecting a 3-0 or a 4-0 hammering.
“The recruitment has been terrific. But it’s all right signing players, you then have to develop them. He’s done that.”