He’s a born winner and true leader

FOR Mark Allen, there was one key attribute to consider when it came to proposing Steven Gerrard as a Rangers manager. Every other thought was trumped by the desire to secure a leader with a winning mentality.

The Ibrox director of football was the key figure in a process that ended yesterday with Gerrard’s appointment on a four-year contract.

It was Allen who first put Gerrard’s name to the board, before leading the negotiations that persuaded the 37-year-old to leave his position as Liverpool Under-18s coach.

The deal represents an obvious shift in emphasis from the failed approach for Derek McInnes five months ago, but Allen has no fear over Gerrard’s absence of managerial experience.

‘Having not been in Scottish football until this year, you have to take a step back and be cognisant of everything around you,’ said Allen, former academy chief at Manchester City.

‘It became clear to me that there are three words that describe Scottish football and particularly Glasgow Rangers and that’s “win, win, win”.

‘That became very apparent to me early on and it focuses your mind.

‘For a very long time, I’ve always thought it was only a matter of when with Steven and management.

‘I’ve known Steven for a number of years now from previous roles and the characteristics you’re looking for when you’re trying to appoint someone to your managerial role, he carries them. He’s a winner, a leader and a character that can cope with adversity.

‘Those are fundamental requirements in a manager.

‘So, I always thought he would be a manager and when I thought we could secure him, it was one of those moments when you just go, because I think Steven is going to be a fantastic manager for Glasgow Rangers.

‘I have no doubts that we have made the right appointment.’

Gerrard, who formally takes over on June 1, will work closely with Allen to revamp a squad that has suffered two recent hammerings by Celtic.

‘I think we are in early days,’ said Allen, when asked about those plans. ‘Obviously, part of the function that I take responsibility for is constantly looking for improvement.

‘Every single football club that is out there is constantly looking to improve its playing staff. There is no difference there. In fairness to Steven, we haven’t had that chance to sit down and go through it in detail. Steven has said quite clearly that that comes next.’ Allen pulled off the Gerrard coup while studying for a Masters in Sporting Directorship.

The Welshman began an acclaimed leadership program at the University of Salford, alongside a group of high-profile stars including three GB Olympians, international cricketers and representatives from the world of football, rugby union and rugby league. Sportsmail understands that, at times, Allen had to leave lectures while putting in calls to ensure the Gerrard deal progressed.

Program founder Tony Faulkner, from VSI which runs the Masters course, revealed: ‘We are thrilled to see Mark play such a role in landing Steven Gerrard.

‘Only a couple of weeks ago he delivered a presentation with former Rangers player Paul Reid and Dutch Sporting Director Dennis Bekking on Rangers’ model for the future. He left out the Gerrard bit of his masterplan!

‘Mark is part of a very strong cohort and VSI has always been convinced he would be a huge success in Scotland.’